On February 8, 2021, Nautilus Biotechnology, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering a single-molecule protein analysis platform for quantifying the human proteome, and Arya Sciences Acquisition Corp III, a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, sponsored by Perceptive Advisors, announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is advising Nautilus Biotechnology on the transaction.

According to the press release, in addition to the approximately $150 million held in Arya III’s trust account, a group of premier healthcare investors has committed to participate in the transaction through a common stock PIPE of approximately $200 million. Upon the closing of the transaction, Arya III will redomicile as a Delaware corporation and be renamed Nautilus Biotechnology. The combined company is expected to receive proceeds of approximately $350 million and will continue to operate under the Nautilus management team. The boards of both Arya III and Nautilus have approved the proposed transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

The Wilson Sonsini team advising Nautilus on the transaction includes the following attorneys:

Corporate
Rob Kornegay, Partner
Michael Nordtvedt, Partner
Zachary Myers, Partner
Benjamin Capps, Associate
Bridget Balisy, Venture Counsel

M&A
Robert Ishii, Partner
Brian Keyes, Partner
Ross Tanaka, Associate

Employee Benefits and Compensation
Scott McCall, Partner
Jaqueline Tokuda, Partner

Tax
Jonathan Zhu, Partner
Derek Wallace, Partner

Delaware Law
Amy Simmerman, Partner
Ryan Greecher, Partner

IP – Patents and Innovations
Vern Norviel, Partner
Rona Lamiquiz, Associate

Please see the companies’ joint press release for more information.