Samsung Biologics announced its intention to purchase Swiss peptide drug producer PolyPeptide Group through an all-cash public tender offer estimated at around 1.46 billion Swiss francs ($1.8 billion), representing its most significant overseas acquisition as it diversifies from antibody production into peptide therapeutics.
The Korean contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) plans to pay 44.31 Swiss francs per share for all remaining shares of PolyPeptide, which reflects a 40 percent premium over the company's closing price before acquisition rumors surfaced in April.
Also Read: Vietnam’s Maritime Economy Charts a New Growth Horizon
The deal, anticipated to finalize by late 2026, depends on shareholder consent, regulatory approvals, and additional standard conditions.
Samsung Biologics needs to obtain an acceptance rate of no less than two-thirds from its shareholders. PolyPeptide's biggest shareholder, holding roughly 55.7 percent of the firm, has already consented to sell its share.
The board of directors at PolyPeptide unanimously suggested that shareholders approve the offer, stating that the acquisition offers a favorable result for investors while setting the stage for the company’s next growth phase.
The purchase greatly expands Samsung Biologics' manufacturing offerings by incorporating peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients, a fast-growing sector driven by soaring demand for treatments for obesity and diabetes, including GLP-1 therapies.
The firm stated that merging its extensive biologics production abilities with PolyPeptide's proficiency will establish a comprehensive multimodality CDMO platform encompassing antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and peptide therapies.
Established over 70 years ago, PolyPeptide ranks among the top peptide CDMOs globally. The firm has created over 1,000 therapeutic peptides and runs research, development, and commercial manufacturing sites in Belgium, France, India, Sweden, and the United States, with its main office in Switzerland.
Also Read: TSMC Projects Mass Production of Advanced A14 Chips by 2028
Samsung Biologics stated that the purchase will bolster its worldwide manufacturing presence and improve its capacity to serve pharmaceutical clients in key markets.
He stated that PolyPeptide's technology, skilled personnel, and worldwide operations would enhance Samsung Biologics' current capabilities and bolster its status as a global multimodality CDMO.
PolyPeptide Chairman Peter Wilden called the agreement a game-changing chance that would speed up the Swiss firm's long-term growth while providing instant benefits to shareholders.
Also Read: Singapore Backs Skyroot's Vikram-1 Mission
Samsung Biologics intends to initiate the official tender offer by the conclusion of August, adhering to the necessary regulations outlined in Swiss takeover law. Upon finalizing the acquisition, the company plans to buy out the remaining minority shareholders and remove PolyPeptide from the SIX Swiss Exchange, fully integrating it as a subsidiary.