This major acquisition in Ticino will allow the two companies to combine their forces of production, chemical and biological expertise, know-how and technological capabilities, creating new opportunities of growth and driving business development to establish itself as an international quality leader in the CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) industry.
Healthcare Advanced Synthesis SA, a leading international developer and producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs), and anticancer compounds, announces the planned acquisition of Cerbios-Pharma SA, a globally recognised manufacturer of chemical and biological APIs, including in the fast-growing area of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Both companies are based in Switzerland and sell globally.
The acquisition is supported by 65 Equity Partners, a global investment firm dedicated to supporting family-owned businesses, founders, and entrepreneurs. As part of the transaction, 65 Equity Partners becomes a c.40% shareholder alongside the Braglia family who retain majority ownership.
The combination of HAS and Cerbios creates a highly complementary and integrated leader in the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) industry. Together, the two companies bring extensive production, chemical and biological expertise, technical excellence, and a broader range of services to meet the evolving needs of the global pharmaceutical industry.
With the strategic backing of 65 Equity Partners, the new Group is uniquely positioned for growth in an industry underpinned by strong structural tailwinds. These include rising demand for complex therapies and continued innovation in drug development across oncology, neurology, endocrinology, dermatology, rare diseases, gastrointestinal and other key therapeutic areas.
Importantly, HAS and Cerbios will continue to be guided by the strong corporate culture and family ownership values that have long defined both companies, with a firm commitment to Switzerland’s Ticino region remaining at its core.
The operation represents a pivotal moment for the growth of HAS and Cerbios and reflects the continuous investments that have been made to ensure excellence and technological development.
“We are excited about this operation, which marks a significant milestone in our global expansion strategy. By merging complementary skills and resources, we are confident that we can provide our clients with innovative, personalized, and high-quality solutions, further enhancing our capacity to meet market demands. Together, we are ready to achieve new milestones and strengthen our position as market leaders, striving for excellence and innovation in our industry. This transaction is of key importance for Ticino as it strengthens the reputation of the region’s chemical-pharmaceutical industry on a global level. We are pleased to welcome 65 Equity Partners as strategic partners and look forward to working closely with them to realize our vision for the enlarged Group”, explains Riccardo Braglia, CEO of 3B Future Holding SA and Board Member of HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis SA.
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“We are delighted to partner with the Braglia family to bring together two highly complementary businesses that are trusted partners to some of the most admired pharmaceutical companies worldwide. This industry continues to benefit from strong structural growth drivers, including demographic trends, scientific breakthroughs, and growing demand for advanced therapies, making it both attractive and resilient over the long term”, comments Pascal Heberling, Partner and Co-Head of Europe, 65 Equity Partners.
“This is a transaction that has been planned for a long time to create an internationally important chemical-pharmaceutical hub in Ticino. With the differentiated pipelines and clients of both companies, we will reach new milestones together and further improve the quality of the services offered to our clients. This joint commitment not only strengthens our market position but also reflects the commitment of both companies to the innovation project. We are also bringing together a combined workforce of over 400 people who will be at the heart of this new company. We are deeply grateful for their contribution and dedication as we look to the future with confidence, continuing to grow and innovate together”, states Waldo Mossi, CEO of HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis SA.
“We are proud to join HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis SA and to significantly contribute to the strength and growth of the new Group. HAS represents the ideal partner to help us accelerate our growth and expand our range of offerings and the value we provide to our clients”, adds Christian Suà, CEO of Cerbios-Pharma SA.
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65 Equity Partners’ investment in HAS aligns with its strategy of supporting high-quality founder, entrepreneur and family-owned businesses with strong growth trajectories and distinctive technical capabilities. The firm’s long-term, partnership-driven approach and vision allows founders and families to scale while preserving their ownership and core values. This investment exemplifies that model supporting the creation of a leading international platform with opportunity for organic growth, deeper customer engagement, and selective acquisitions. 65 Equity Partners will work closely with the leadership team to help realize this vision and further strengthen the Group’s position as a premier provider of complex pharmaceutical ingredients.
HAS was advised by Rothschild & Co (financial), Bär & Karrer (legal), and EY (accounting / tax).
65 Equity Partners was advised by UBS AG (financial), Ropes & Gray and Walder Wyss (legal), EY (accounting / tax), Pharmacloud and Guidance Pharm (commercial), JensonR+ (regulatory) and Orbsen (technical).
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Source – PR Newswire
