The acquisition of the European sites from the Brussels-based biopharma company in Monheim and Zwickau in Germany and Pianezza in Italy is part of Aesica's commitment to enhance its service offering to the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Monheim offers packaging and warehousing operations, distribution for Germany and artwork; Zwickau handles pharma production; while Pianezza carries out packaging operations.
The deal comprises a long-term supply agreement between Aesica and UCB and provides scope for Aesica to develop new business streams for the site.
UCB chief executive Roch Doliveux said that the new partnership is part of UCB’s strategy to optimise its manufacturing network while securing long-term supply for its products and to ensure a long-term future to the sites and their employees.
Around 600 employees across the three affected sites will continue their activity and be transferred to Aesica.
This is Aesica’s first acquisition outside the UK and represents the beginning of a strategic partnership with UCB, which the company hopes will shape its future expansion.
Robert Hardy, chief executive of Aesica, said the acquisition of the three UCB manufacturing sites is ‘strategically crucial’ for the company as it extends and enhances its current offering and presence in Europe.
‘We hope that this first move into Europe provides a platform for future expansion here, in the US and in Asia,’ he said.
The acquisition will be completed early next year.
The European expansion follows Aesica's acquisition of R5 Pharmaceuticals in June and will complement its formulations capability.
Aesica has also recently expanded in the US, where it has opened offices in San Diego and New York.