Merck sells its US contract manufacturing business to Swiss firm Lonza

Merck agreed to sell its CDMO business to Lonza for mid-three-digit millions of euros. The deal, expected to close in mid-2027, includes five U.S. sites. Merck aims to focus on innovation-driven businesses, while Lonza expands its CDMO operations. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

Lonza agreed to buy five U.S. manufacturing sites from Merck KGaA for 100-600 million Swiss francs, expanding its U.S. footprint to nine sites. The deal, expected to close mid-2024, adds 1,100 employees and is projected to generate 250 million francs in annual sales by 2028. Lonza gains cancer and gene therapy production capabilities, while Merck focuses on drug development.

Merck KGaA is selling its US contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business to Lonza for an estimated low- to mid-triple-digit million Swiss francs. The deal includes five US sites and around 1,100 employees, expected to close mid-2024. Lonza anticipates $300m in sales from these facilities by 2028. Merck aims to focus on innovation-driven life sciences businesses, according to the company.

Merck (MRK) has initiated a Phase 3 trial, ENHANCE-3, to evaluate OHTUVAYRE in preventing COPD exacerbations. The study aims to enroll 2,136 patients across 28 countries. This follows OHTUVAYRE's 2024 FDA approval for COPD maintenance treatment.

Merck KGaA is selling its CDMO business to Lonza for a mid-triple-digit million-euro amount, including five US facilities and 1,100 employees. The deal aims to sharpen Merck's life sciences focus and free up resources for other areas, including pharmaceuticals. Lonza expects the acquisition to add $300 million in annual revenue starting in 2028. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027.

Lonza will acquire five US manufacturing sites from Merck KGaA for low- to mid-triple-digit millions of Swiss francs. The deal, expected to close in mid-2027, will expand Lonza's US presence and add 1,100 employees. The sites focus on various pharmaceutical technologies, with Lonza expecting them to contribute around SFr250m in sales by 2028. The acquisition aligns with Lonza's growth strategy, according to the company.