Samsung Proposes Offer to Acquire Swiss CDMO Specializing in Peptides

Samsung Biologics made an all-cash public tender offer of approximately $1.8 billion to acquire Switzerland-based PolyPeptide Group, a CDMO specializing in peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Samsung views the deal as expanding its capabilities beyond antibodies and ADCs to include peptide 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 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, notes a Samsung spokesperson.

PolyPeptide operates an integrated development-to-commercial model with growth focused on a modular, automation approach which, the company points out, gives it the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing market demand.

The planned acquisition extends beyond adding capacity in that it also 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, notes a Samsung official. PolyPeptide operates global sites across Sweden, Belgium, France, the U.S., India, together with a corporate office in Switzerland and a separate Innovation Center in Strasbourg, France, with capabilities in R&D, development, and commercial manufacturing.

Upon completion of the transaction, Samsung will bring together PolyPeptide’s experienced team and specialized peptide expertise with Samsung’s scientific and manufacturing strengths and global operations, says John Rim, chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Samsung Biologics.

“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,” continues Rim.

“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,” adds 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.”

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