BY Fraser Tennant
Expanding its global network across the US, Europe and India, South Korean pharmaceutical company Samsung Biologics is to acquire Swiss contract drugmaker PolyPeptide in an all-cash transaction valued at CHF1.46bn.
Under the terms of the agreement, PolyPeptide shareholders will receive CHF44.31 in cash for each PolyPeptide share – an offer price that reflects a 40 percent premium to PolyPeptide’s last undisturbed share price as of 10 April 2026.
By combining the companies’ scientific strengths, manufacturing excellence and global operations, the transaction is expected to enhance operational excellence, unlock additional growth opportunities and further strengthen Samsung Biologics’ position as a leading global multi-modality contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO).
“This acquisition reinforces our long-term growth strategy by not only broadening our service portfolio with modality expansion into peptides, but by also boosting our geographic reach and proximity further within the US, Europe and India,” said John Rim, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive of Samsung Biologics. “We highly value PolyPeptide’s world class employees, industry leading capabilities and global operational footprint.”
Operating facilities in Belgium, France, India, Sweden and the US, as well as a corporate office in Switzerland and an innovation centre in France, PolyPeptide specialises in peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients and has produced more than 1000 therapeutic peptides.
The board of directors of PolyPeptide, acting through its independent and non-conflicted members, unanimously recommends that shareholders accept Samsung Biologics’ offer.
“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,” 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.”
The transaction is expected to be completed towards the end of 2026, subject to customary offer conditions, including a minimum acceptance threshold of 67 percent applicable regulatory approvals and other conditions.
Mr Rim concluded: “We 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.”
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