Shearman & Sterling advised Volumetric, a Houston-based biofabrication start-up company developing biomaterials and advanced 3D bioprinting technologies, in its agreement to be acquired by 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) in a deal structured as a $45 million closing payment, with up to $355 million additional opportunity linked to a series of milestone earnouts upon the attainment of significant steps in the demonstration of human applications. The transaction is structured as a tax-free reorganization with the all payments comprised of approximately 50 percent cash and 50 percent common stock of 3D Systems.

The merger will establish a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility within Houston’s East End Maker Hub, currently completing its first phase buildout. The Houston effort builds on an existing and accelerating partnership between 3D Systems and United Therapeutics (NASDAQ:UTHR) to establish the feasibility and commercialization of bioprinted human organs.

Founded in 2018 by bioengineers Jordan Miller, PhD, and Bagrat Grigoryan, PhD, Volumetric is empowering the next generation of advanced biofabrication with high quality materials and systems for 3D bioprinting. Its world-class team of engineers has developed a vertically integrated platform of bioprinting solutions targeted at a new class of therapies for organ-scale diseases—whole replacement organs. For more information visit volumetricbio.com.

The Shearman & Sterling team below included associates Julia Foley (Austin-Emerging Growth) and Michael Buiteweg (Dallas-Tax).

The Team