Merck snares UK contract manufacturer in buyout deal

Merck is buying the UK's Avecia Biologics, a contract manufacturing company that specializes in microbial-derived biologics. Merck didn't outline the financial details, but it gets the company's process development and scale-up, manufacturing, quality and business support operations located in Billingham, UK.

"At Merck we continue to execute on our strategy of expanding our biopharmaceutical expertise and manufacturing capacity," said John T. McCubbins, senior vice president, Biologics and Therapeutic Protein Operations, Merck Manufacturing Division. "This transaction follows an initial strategic development and supply relationship with Avecia Biologics and will provide us with an operational facility staffed by an experienced workforce that is highly skilled in a broad portfolio of bioprocess systems."

"Over the past ten years, Avecia Biologics has built and established an enviable reputation for bioprocess development and timely delivery of quality biopharmaceutical ingredients for our customers," said Steve Bagshaw, president, Avecia Biologics. "This acquisition recognizes these successes and now provides the exciting opportunity to focus on advancing Merck's broad early and mid-stage portfolio of biologic candidates."

- check out the Merck's release

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