Lonza (Basel, Switzerland; www.lonza.com) and the PolyPeptide Group jointly announced today that PolyPeptide Laboratories Holding (PPL) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the peptides business and operations of Lonza in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium. Lonza’s Braine facility, with approximately 280 employees, is the center for peptide chemical development and manufacturing within Lonza. The agreement is expected to close in the next weeks, subject to customary closing conditions.
The acquisition will enhance PolyPeptide’s manufacturing capacity and capabilities and will enable seamless support for its broad portfolio as many products progress toward regulatory approval and commercial supply. Lonza Braine will provide immediate access to additional large-scale capacity in synthesis, purification and isolation of peptides, while PolyPeptide’s existing, complementary portfolio of late-stage products offers opportunities for synergies and continued growth for the company.
With this acquisition the PolyPeptide Group will employ close to 800 people worldwide with GMP facilities in the United States (Torrance and San Diego, California), France (Strasbourg), India (Ambernath), Belgium (Braine-D’Alleud) and Sweden (Malmo).
The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed. Lonza will book a non-cash related write-off of CHF 44 million in the second half of 2016 and then book a non-cash currency translation impact at the closing of the transaction.