Lonza has acquired the Bioproducts manufacturing division of UCB for $145.6 million. UCB-Bioproducts is a chemical peptide manufacturer. This division, with approximately 300 employees, is located in Braine-l’Alleud just outside of Brussels, Belgium. The acquisition provides Lonza with another global site to serve its customer base, in addition to its sites in Switzerland, the U.S. and Czech Republic.

Stefan Borgas, chief executive officer of Lonza said, “We are quite excited to welcome the fully dedicated, highly qualified and entrepreneurial UCB colleagues to join our global business. With this acquisition Lonza further strengthens its position as a worldwide leader in custom peptide manufacturing by continuing to develop the Braine l’Alleud site as a global center of excellence for the development and manufacture of peptides.” Lonza has participated in peptide production since 1997. Both companies are well known in the worldwide market and have expertise in peptide manufacturing.

Roch Doliveux, chief executive officer of UCB said, “This transaction is another strategic move towards UCB’s quest of becoming a global biopharmaceutical leader focusing on research, development, and commercialization of therapeutic solutions for severe diseases. The reputation and strategic focus of Lonza as a leading contract manufacturer will enable the Bioproducts division to further strengthen its leading position and join a group focused on custom manufacturing with whom UCB has several other long term manufacturing relationships. We would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in making the Bioproducts business such a success, for their skill and dedication.”