Agilent Technologies to acquire BIOVECTRA in US$925M deal

USA—Agilent Technologies Inc., a global leader in biotech and pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing (CDMO), has reached a definitive deal to buy BIOVECTRA, a prominent specialized CDMO, for US$925 million.

BIOVECTRA, based in Canada, is recognized for its ability to produce biologics, highly powerful active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs), and other important compounds for targeted treatments.

Agilent’s acquisition is a strategic move to boost its CDMO specialization, particularly in oligonucleotides and CRISPR therapies.

The acquisition will greatly enhance Agilent’s offering by combining BIOVECTRA’s experience in sterile fill-finish services, plasmid DNA (pDNA) and mRNA capabilities, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation.

This move is consistent with Agilent’s goal to enhance its oligonucleotide and CRISPR treatment expertise.

By merging BIOVECTRA’s sophisticated technology, Agilent will broaden its service offerings and gain access to rapidly developing modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), HPAPIs, and GLP-1, all of which are critical to the future of targeted therapeutics.

In addition, the acquisition will improve Agilent’s gene editing capabilities. BIOVECTRA’s world-class biologics expertise, paired with Agilent’s experience in gRNA, will provide customers with a comprehensive, single-source solution for gene editing technology.

This synergy aims to seamlessly integrate analytical instrumentation, consumables, and a broad spectrum of lab services.

Both BIOVECTRA and Agilent are recognized for their state-of-the-art facilities that adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

These practices ensure the highest standards in manufacturing, processing, and packaging active pharmaceutical ingredients.

In welcoming BIOVECTRA into the fold, Agilent President and CEO Padraig McDonnell highlighted the company’s impressive track record of innovation and its commitment to delivering integrated biopharma solutions.

He emphasized that BIOVECTRA’s advanced manufacturing capabilities will further extend Agilent’s end-to-end biopharma offerings, which include integrating analytical instrumentation, consumables, and a wide range of laboratory services.

BIOVECTRA CEO Oliver Technow expressed enthusiasm about the merger, underscoring the alignment between the two companies in their dedication to clients and the pursuit of solving complex challenges to enhance patient care.

Technow remarked, “BIOVECTRA’s nearly 55-year commitment to addressing intricate problems that improve patient outcomes aligns perfectly with Agilent’s vision. This partnership will significantly amplify the value we offer to our customers.”

BIOVECTRA, which specialises in early-stage clinical development and large-scale commercial manufacturing, currently serves biotech and pharmaceutical companies throughout North America and Europe.

The company generated US$113 million in revenue in 2023 and expects to grow by double digits in 2024.

Agilent expects the purchase to dilute non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) by US$0.05 in the first full year after the transaction closes.

The transaction will be funded using a combination of cash reserves and debt. The deal continues subject to usual closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to be completed before 2025.

After completion, BIOVECTRA will join the Agilent Diagnostics and Genomics Group. 

Sign up to receive our email newsletters  with  latest news updates and  insights from Africa and the World HERE