French chemicals group Novacap, which is backed by Ardian, has agreed to acquire CU Chemie Uetikon, a Germany-based maker of pharmaceutical substances. The seller is Equistone Partners Europe.
Novacap, the International chemical Group headquartered in Lyon (France), and its majority shareholder Ardian, the independent private investment company, have announced that Novacap has signed an agreement with Equistone Partners Europe for the acquisition of CU CHEMIE UETIKON (“Uetikon”). Novacap benefited from the full support of Ardian in this transaction.
Founded in 1991, Uetikon is a medium sized company with a best-in-class multi-purpose production facility. This cGMP production facility, which was built to a high standard, is located in Lahr, Germany. CU Chemie Uetikon’s core competences are the custom synthesis of fine chemicals and the manufacture of pharmaceutical substances. Uetikon has become the partner of the largest pharmaceutical companies for which it notably provides custom synthesis of complex multi-step intermediates and pharmaceutical ingredients. Uetikon is essentially positioned in the pharmaceutical and health market, with a turnover of 40 million euros in 2014 and around 135 employees.
The acquisition of Uetikon will enlarge the product offering of Novacap’s Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics Division through complementary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (“APIs”) and custom synthesis capabilities. It will also bring to the Group strong R&D capabilities and will strengthen its Quality & Regulatory expertise.
“The acquisition of Uetikon fits perfectly into our strategy to reinforce our position in pharmaceutical and health markets. Uetikon has a proven track record in delivering the best products and highest services to its customers through mastering of state-of-the-art proprietary technologies, with an excellent reputation in the industry. We are very happy to welcome the Uetikon Team within Novacap” said Pierre Luzeau, Novacap’s CEO.
“With this acquisition, Novacap makes another important step in the growth strategy drawn with the management since 2011. The size reached by the Group and the management experience in its external growth momentum will allow Novacap to better position itself for future strategic opportunities” added Thibault Basquin, Managing Director at Ardian.
The closing of this acquisition is still subject to the approval of the relevant competition authorities.
Novacap was advised by Ashurst (Legal), PwC TS (Finance & Tax), Advancy (Strategic & Commercial), Latham & Watkins (Structuring) and URS (Environmental).
