Samsung Biologics Launches Offer to Acquire PolyPeptide Group

Editor’s Take: With this transaction, Samsung Biologics will expand its capabilities beyond antibodies and ADCs to include peptide therapeutics, one of the fastest-growing segments of the biopharmaceutical industry.

Samsung Biologics has launched an all-cash public tender offer to acquire 100% of the fully diluted share capital of PolyPeptide Group AG, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Under the terms of the offer, PolyPeptide shareholders will receive CHF 44.31 ($54.8) in cash for each PolyPeptide share, representing an implied equity value of approximately CHF 1.46 billion ($1.8 billion). The transaction is expected to be completed towards the end of 2026, subject to customary offer conditions, including a minimum acceptance threshold of 66⅔%, applicable regulatory approvals, and other conditions.

The transaction brings together Samsung Biologics’ global manufacturing scale with PolyPeptide’s specialized peptide expertise to create a differentiated, end-to-end multi-modality CDMO platform.

Expanding Capabilities, Adding Capacity and Laying Foundation for Growth

PolyPeptide operates an integrated development-to-commercial model with growth focused on a modular, automation approach, giving it the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing market demand. Through PolyPeptide’s peptide capabilities, innovative technologies, and proven commercial manufacturing track record, Samsung Biologics aims to serve clients across a broader range of therapeutic modalities by addressing growing demand for peptide-based therapeutics, particularly in obesity and diabetes, including GLP-1 therapies, while advancing innovation across high-growth areas such as oncology and other emerging indications.

The planned acquisition extends beyond adding capacity; it lays the foundation for Samsung Biologics’ next phase of growth, supported by a strong pipeline of active peptide projects that includes a deep late-stage portfolio. PolyPeptide operates global sites across Sweden, Belgium, France, the United States, India, together with a corporate office in Switzerland and a separate Innovation Center in Strasbourg, France, with capabilities encompassing R&D, development, and commercial manufacturing.

“This acquisition reinforces our long-term growth strategy by not only broadening our service portfolio with modality expansion into peptides including GLP-1, but by also boosting our geographic reach and proximity further within the U.S., Europe, and India,” said John Rim, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Samsung Biologics. “We highly value PolyPeptide’s world-class employees, industry-leading capabilities, and global operational footprint, and look forward to leveraging the complementary strengths of PolyPeptide and Samsung Biologics in our continued growth supporting clients as the CDMO of choice for decades to come.”

“PolyPeptide was built on the dedication of our employees, deep scientific expertise and strong customer focus. After a comprehensive review of strategic options, the Board is convinced that Samsung Biologics’ offer is compelling for our shareholders, delivering an attractive cash price and immediate, certain value today,” said Peter Wilden, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PolyPeptide. “At the same time, it represents a transformational opportunity to accelerate our strategic ambitions at a scale we could not reach alone – creating a stronger global partner for customers and a platform uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of growth in peptide-based therapeutics.”

Other Pharma Industry Acquisitions

Check out Contract Pharma’s Pharmaceutical Industry Mergers & Acquisitions Roundup.