Evotec acquires Aptuit for $300m

Evotec will pay $300m (€256m) for the UK-based drug discovery group, who are owned by Welsh, Carson, Anderson and Stowe (WCAS), a private equity firm focussed on the technology and healthcare industries.

Dr Werner Lanthaler, chief executive officer of Evotec, said: “Bringing together two major players in the drug discovery industry is a big step forward for Evotec to expand our unique focus in external innovation for pharma and biotech foundations.”

The acquisition will see Evotec drive its efforts on investigational new drug submissions, integrated drug substance, drug products and commercial manufactures.

Jonathan Goldman, chief executive officer of Aptuit, said: “I am delighted that Aptuit’s unique value proposition of world-class scientists have combined with the Evotec team to create a best-in-class company.

“The operational management team and I look forward to continuing to offer customers an expanded set of solutions in discovery as part of the Evotec family, as well as providing an end-to-end solution in candidate to IND, and phase I to commercial integrated CMC needs.

“Our customers and staff can be reassured by the continuity of leadership and commitment by Evotec to invest in planned growth.”

Aptuit’s biopharma network will come as an asset to Evotec, as the acquisition will give the company access to additional capacity, a portfolio of projects based on Aptuit’s IND platform INDiGO and an ‘exceptional’ team of scientists and managers.

Dr Mario Polywka, chief operating officer of Evotec, said: “The ability to provide a proven IND enabling platform and expertise will benefit our partners and customers in discovery as well as expedite progress of projects into phase I and II.

“We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to Evotec in what is an exciting time in the company’s strategic growth.”

Likewise, Aptuit’s customers will also benefit from Evotec’s focus on innovation in drug discovery and according to Brian Regan, general partner at WCAS and Aptuit board member, the “transaction represents a great outcome for both Aptuit and Evotec”.