Davis Polk is advising Roche on its approximately $4.3 billion acquisition of Spark Therapeutics, Inc. The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2019, has been unanimously approved by the boards of Spark Therapeutics and Roche.

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. Spark Therapeutics, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a fully integrated, commercial company committed to discovering, developing and delivering gene therapies for genetic diseases, including blindness, hemophilia, lysosomal storage disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

The Davis Polk corporate team includes partners Arthur F. Golden, Marc O. Williams and Brian Wolfe and associates Evan Rosen, Caitlin Cunningham and Jenny Ge. Partner Ronan P. Harty is providing antitrust and competition advice. Partner Jean M. McLoughlin is providing executive compensation advice. Partner David R. Bauer is providing intellectual property and technology advice. Partner Michael Mollerus is providing tax advice. All members of the Davis Polk team are based in the New York office.