Swedish private equity firm EQT is in advanced talks to acquire Oxford BioMedica, a UK-listed gene therapy specialist. A final agreement could be announced within days, according to sources familiar with the matter. Such a deal would mark another strategic play by private equity to take a European public company private, valuing the British biotech firm at a potential premium.

This potential takeover reflects a broader trend of buyouts in the life sciences sector. Oxford BioMedica, known for its lentiviral vector technologies used in treatments like CAR-T cell therapies, has faced market volatility. A transaction would provide the company with long-term capital away from quarterly public market pressures. It also gives EQT access to critical gene therapy manufacturing expertise.

Key questions remain around the final valuation and whether other suitors will emerge for the Oxford-based group. The talks highlight private equity's growing appetite for specialized biotech assets. Investors will watch closely for an official announcement from both EQT and Oxford BioMedica's boards, which could reshape the competitive landscape for advanced therapeutics.