CCD Partners

💊 Amidst tightening R&D spends, outsourcing development work to CDMOs can be a good way to improve the efficiency of drug development.      However, the CDMO market is highly competitive and care must be taken to select the right business to scale-up with. Our data team has tracked over 500 CDMOs in operating in the pharma space alone.     Key advantages of working with a CDMO include: • Access to advanced and specialised technologies that significantly improve production outcomes.    • Reduced need for acquiring technologies, people, and large scale manufacturing assets in-house.    • Expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, facilitating smoother and more efficient approval processes.    • Enhanced communication strategies, which promote collaboration and minimise time-to-market risks. Get in touch with Matthew Wise for more insights about the CDMO landscape.    #Pharmaceuticals #DrugDevelopment #CDMO 

Chemical Highlights: our top-five pick of global M&A and senior people moves impacting fine and specialty chemicals markets this week:
 
    This week, we monitored 13 deals. Click here to sign up for the complete weekly update: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eqkaV4zS   1. LyondellBasell (LYB) has announced its acquisition of APK Group AG, expanding its circular and low carbon solutions business with innovative solvent-based recycling technology. This acquisition allows LYB to enhance its ability to recycle flexible plastic waste, advancing its goal of producing 2 million metric tonnes of recycled polymers annually by 2030.     2. Brenntag has completed its acquisition of Pharmaspecial-Especialidades Quims E Farmaceuticas (PharmaSpecial), significantly boosting its life science business in Brazil. This transaction also adds an applications and innovation centre, providing Brenntag with greater access to the soft gel capsule market and enhancing its network in Latin America. 3. Audax Private Equity has acquired Avantor’s clinical services business, a leading provider of clinical trial and laboratory supply chain services. The acquisition includes 10 facilities across the US, UK, and Europe, positioning Audax to enhance its role in supporting pharma, CROs, and diagnostic laboratories globally.     4. SK Innovation and SK E&S have merged to create the largest private energy company in the Asia-Pacific region, with assets totalling KRW 100 trillion. The merger strengthens the companies’ financial structures and enhances their competitiveness in the energy sector, with transparent communication via a dedicated online platform.    5. FutureFuel Chemical Company has appointed Roeland Polet as its new CEO, effective 3 September 2024, succeeding the retiring Tom McKinlay. With over 35 years in leadership, Polet’s strategic focus will be on expanding FutureFuel's market presence through innovation, building on his success in driving market share and profitability at Koninklijke.    #MergersandAcquisitions #CorporateDevelopments #ChemicalIndustry

🌍 The chemical industry in the US encountered significant challenges last year, with the top 50 US chemical producers experiencing a 14.5% decline in sales and a 43.2% drop in operating profits. 📉 However, despite these setbacks, companies have maintained a commitment to growth and development, as seen in the 13.4% increase in capital expenditures, reaching $22.9 billion. 💼 Read more about C&EN’s top 50 US chemical producers for 2024 here: https://lnkd.in/eSMtPrbd #Chemicals #ChemicalIndustry #CENGlobalTop50 #ChemicalProducers #ChemicalTop50

Sustainability and bio-based Innovation in the Personal Care Market  🫧🌱   The global bio-based cosmetics and personal care ingredients market is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. Growing consumer awareness of the effects on the environment and the belief that natural products are intrinsically safer for human health are the main drivers of this trend.    This segment within our database hosts a diverse array of companies, spanning from global industry leaders to a range of emerging start-ups venturing into innovative bio-based and natural technologies.     #Ingredients #PersonalCare #Surfactants #ChemicalIndustry 

Developing a robust network is key for companies focused on achieving inorganic growth through mergers and acquisitions.     It serves as a strategic advantage by:    • Identifying Potential Targets: A wide network provides access to a broader pool of potential acquisition candidates, increasing the likelihood of finding suitable targets that align with strategic objectives. • Facilitating Deal Flow: Strong relationships with industry players, investment bankers, and other intermediaries can accelerate deal initiation and progression.     • Conducting Due Diligence: A network of experts can provide valuable insights into target companies, helping to assess their financial health, market position, and operational efficiency.    • Post-Merger Integration: A strong network can aid in talent retention, customer retention, and the formation of strategic partnerships following an acquisition.    By cultivating a diverse and influential network, chemical and life sciences companies can enhance their M&A capabilities, ultimately leading to long-term growth and value creation.     #MergersandAcquisitions #StrategicGrowth #BusinessNetwork 

Recent CDMO Deal Feature:  Agilent Technologies to acquire BIOVECTRA from H.I.G. Capital    🔹 Summary: Agilent has signed an agreement to acquire BioVectra, a specialised contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), for $925 million. This acquisition strategically broadens Agilent’s expertise in biologics highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), reinforcing its capabilities in state-of-the-art CDMO faculties. 🧬     🔹 Financials: Biovectra reported $113 million in revenue for 2023, and Agilent anticipates strong double-digit revenue growth for 2024.     🔹 Rationale: This acquisition bolsters Agilent’s portfolio in areas such as vaccine development, GLP-1 (a fast-growing segment in weight-loss and diabetes treatments), and gene editing, further supporting its growth in these innovative markets. 💡    Read more about the deal here: https://lnkd.in/eU47dbET    #DealSpotlight #Agilent #BioVectra #CDMO #Biotech #Pharmaceuticals 

Chemical Highlights: our top-five pick of global M&A and senior people moves impacting fine and specialty chemicals markets this week:
 
    Click here to receive the full list: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eqkaV4zS
 
    1. Saint-Gobain has agreed to acquire Ovniver Group, a leading construction chemicals player in Mexico and Central America, for $815 million in cash. This acquisition strengthens Saint-Gobain’s global footprint in construction chemicals, adding $285 million in revenue and a projected 21.7% EBITDA margin for 2024.    2. Merck has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CN201, a bispecific antibody for B-cell-associated diseases, from Curon Biopharmaceutical for $700 million upfront and up to $600 million in milestone payments. CN201, currently in clinical trials, has shown promising results in treating relapsed B-cell malignancies and could address a wide range of autoimmune diseases.    3. Sasol has appointed Walt Bruns as CFO and executive director, effective 1 September 2024. With over 15 years at Sasol, including three years as CFO of Sasol’s global chemicals business, Bruns is well-equipped to drive sustainable value and support Sasol’s strategic transformation.    4. Emirates Biotech has named Marc Verbruggen as CEO, leveraging his extensive experience in the bioplastics sector. Formerly the CEO of NatureWorks, Verbruggen is set to guide Emirates Biotech in advancing its ambitions in the PLA biopolymer industry, alongside a newly appointed leadership team in Dubai.    5. Pilbara Minerals Limited has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Latin Resources Limited through a court-approved scheme of arrangement. This acquisition strengthens Pilbara’s global position as a leading lithium materials supplier and will de-risk development and funding at Latin Resources’ Salinas project.    #MergersandAcquisitions #CorporateDevelopments #ChemicalIndustry 

🔬 US-based CDMOs are pivoting to find an alternative region for outsourcing.    China is a core hub for US pharma outsourcing due to its low costs and skilled chemists. 🌏     Rising geopolitical tensions and the US Biosecure Act (a legislation that restricts firms receiving federal funds from using certain Chinese service providers) are driving CDMOs to explore alternatives.     India is stepping up, investing in infrastructure and talent to attract western clients. Indian firms are increasingly restructuring supply chains after pandemic-driven disruptions and pressure to reduce reliance on China. Often, the idea of being an alternative source is as a key part of their marketing messaging.    Though some question India’s ability to fully replace China, Indian CDMOs are determined to become key players in global pharma. 💊    #CDMOs #PharmaNews #CDMO #CRO #PharmaValueChain

Do you work in private equity, investment banking, or finance?    CPHI Milan will host over 62,000 decision-makers in pharma-services and supplies over the three-day event this October. CPHI is the premier global event for the pharmaceutical industry, uniting professionals from across the world.    CCD Partners is collaborating with CPHI to enhance the experience for financial investors at this year’s event in Milan, including:     · a complimentary service to identify businesses matching your investment criteria  · a free report on the landscape of privately owned businesses at CPHI   · introductions to innovative businesses (including those at the dedicated “Start-Up Market”)  · a discount to the regular CPHI entry fee      If you are a financial investor and would like to take us up on any of the complimentary services listed above, please let us know by contacting Julia Monahan via LinkedIn.    #CPHI #PharmaStrategy #PharmaInvestors #FinancialInvestors 

AI CRO Spotlight: Fractal Therapeutics 📈    Fractal Therapeutics is a pioneer in applying advanced computational modelling and AI to accelerate drug discovery and development. By leveraging sophisticated model-based approaches and data-driven insights, the company is transforming the pharmaceutical industry.    • Computational Expertise: Fractal Therapeutics' core competency lies in the application of computational chemistry and bioinformatics to address complex drug discovery challenges.  • Data-Driven Innovation: Fractal Therapeutics harnesses vast datasets to inform decision-making, de-risk drug development programs, and increase the probability of clinical success.    In addition to Fractal Therapeutics, our data team has identified 50+ pre-clinical CROs that offer computational chemistry and bioinformatics services.     #AIinPharma #Pharma #ComputationalChemistry #FractalTherapeutics