bluebird’s split could yield two attractive M&A targets

bluebird’s decision to focus on rare diseases and spin out its cancer business by year-end could provide the focus both units need to execute on their pipelines and attract potential partners and buyers. 

Nick Leschly, who has led bluebird bio Inc. (NASDAQ:BLUE) as CEO since 2010, will transition to lead the new publicly traded cancer company and become executive chairman of bluebird. Andrew Obenshain, president of the existing severe genetic diseases unit, will become bluebird’s CEO. bluebird’s current chair, Daniel Lynch, will become chair of the newco. ...