Lonza to acquire Merck KGaA’s U.S. CDMO network
Lonza signed a definitive agreement to buy five U.S. contract development and manufacturing sites from Merck KGaA. The transaction is valued in the low‑ to mid‑triple‑digit million range in Swiss francs and will add about 1,100 employees to Lonza’s workforce. Lonza expects the acquired sites to generate roughly CHF 250 million in sales by 2028, and the deal is slated to close in mid‑2027, funded with cash and existing credit facilities. Merck will use the proceeds to sharpen its focus on innovation‑driven life‑science businesses.
Why it matters
Merck’s divestiture sharpens its portfolio and frees resources for core innovation, as the company says. Lonza’s expanded U.S. footprint increases its manufacturing capacity for high‑growth modalities, which could boost its revenue stream, according to the company’s guidance.
Key facts
- 1Lonza will acquire five U.S. CDMO sites from Merck KGaA. boerse.de
- 2The consideration is a total enterprise valuation in the low‑ to mid‑triple‑digit millions Swiss francs. boerse.de
- 3Approximately 1,100 employees will transfer to Lonza. boerse.de
- 4The sites are expected to contribute around CHF 250 million in sales in full‑year 2028. boerse.de
- 5Closing is expected in mid‑2027, subject to customary closing conditions. boerse.de
- 6The transaction will be funded with cash on hand and Lonza’s existing credit facilities. boerse.de
Open questions
- Some sources state the deal will close in mid‑2024, while others say mid‑2027.
- A few outlets cite projected 2028 revenue of $300 million versus CHF 250 million.
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 12 of 12 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.