Fact Check: TTAM Research Institute Will Acquire Substantially All of 23andMe’s Assets
What We Know
The claim that "TTAM Research Institute will acquire substantially all of 23andMe’s assets, including its Personal Genome Service and Research Services business lines as well as telehealth subsidiary Lemonaid Health" is supported by multiple credible sources. According to NBC News, TTAM Research Institute, led by Anne Wojcicki, has successfully bid $305 million to acquire these assets from 23andMe, which recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The acquisition includes significant components of the company, such as its Personal Genome Service and Research Services, along with its telehealth subsidiary, Lemonaid Health.
Additionally, CNN corroborates this information, stating that TTAM will acquire "substantially all" of 23andMe's assets, confirming the inclusion of the Personal Genome Service and Research Services business lines, as well as Lemonaid Health.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from reputable news outlets that have reported on the acquisition process. NBC News and CNN are both established media organizations known for their journalistic standards, which lends credibility to their reporting. The acquisition is described as a significant development in the context of 23andMe's financial struggles, including its bankruptcy filing and previous attempts by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to purchase the company for $256 million, which TTAM ultimately outbid (source-1, source-2).
Moreover, the acquisition's details are further confirmed by GlobeNewswire, which outlines the terms of the sale and reiterates that TTAM will continue to uphold 23andMe's privacy policies regarding customer data rights. This is crucial given the concerns surrounding data privacy that have emerged during 23andMe's financial difficulties.
While the information from these sources is consistent, it is essential to note that the deal is still subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, indicating that while the acquisition is planned, it is not yet finalized (source-1, source-2).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that TTAM Research Institute will acquire substantially all of 23andMe’s assets, including its Personal Genome Service, Research Services business lines, and telehealth subsidiary Lemonaid Health, is accurate. This conclusion is based on multiple reliable sources confirming the details of the acquisition and the specific assets involved. The acquisition is a significant development for both TTAM and 23andMe, especially in light of the latter's recent financial challenges.
Sources
- Anne Wojcicki to buy back 23andMe and its data for $305 million - NBC News
- Anne Wojcicki's nonprofit wins bid to acquire genetic testing company - CNN
- 23andMe Reaches Agreement for Sale of Business to TTAM - GlobeNewswire
- 23andMe Reaches Agreement for Sale of Business to TTAM - 23andMe Investor Relations
- 23andMe co-founder Anne Wojcicki has bought back the company - NewsBytes
- Anne Wojcicki, the co-founder and former CEO of 23andMe - LinkedIn
- Anne Wojcicki's nonprofit reaches deal to acquire 23andMe - TechCrunch
- 23andMe assets to be sold to founder's nonprofit for $305 million - Investing.com