The demand for peptide-based medicines is growing rapidly around the world, and companies are racing to expand their manufacturing capabilities. In a major move for the biopharmaceutical industry, Samsung Biologics has announced an all-cash public tender offer to acquire Swiss-based PolyPeptide Group AG. The proposed deal, valued at approximately CHF 1.46 billion (around US$1.8 billion), is expected to strengthen Samsung Biologics’ position in the global contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) market while expanding its expertise in peptide therapeutics.
Samsung Biologics Announces Public Tender Offer
Samsung Biologics has launched a voluntary public tender offer to acquire 100% of PolyPeptide Group AG’s fully diluted share capital, excluding treasury shares. The company is offering CHF 44.31 per share, valuing PolyPeptide at approximately CHF 1.46 billion (US$1.8 billion).
According to Samsung Biologics, the acquisition supports its long-term strategy to become a leading multi-modality contract development and manufacturing organization. By adding peptide development and manufacturing capabilities, the company aims to broaden the range of services it provides to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers.
Expanding into Peptide Manufacturing
PolyPeptide is a global CDMO that specializes in the development and manufacturing of peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The company serves pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers developing peptide therapeutics for a wide range of medical conditions.
PolyPeptide operates manufacturing facilities across Sweden, Belgium, France, the United States and India, giving it a strong international production network. Samsung Biologics said the acquisition will expand its global manufacturing footprint across North America, Europe and Asia while adding specialized peptide manufacturing expertise.
The company believes the transaction will help meet the increasing demand for peptide medicines, including therapies used to treat chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Strong Shareholder and Board Support
The Board of Directors of PolyPeptide has unanimously recommended that shareholders accept Samsung Biologics’ offer.
The company’s largest shareholder, Draupnir Holding SA, which owns approximately 55.65% of PolyPeptide’s shares, has also agreed to tender all of its shares into the offer. This provides strong initial support for the proposed transaction.
The offer price of CHF 44.31 per share represents a 6.1% premium over PolyPeptide’s closing share price of CHF 41.75 on the trading day before the announcement.
Regulatory Process and Expected Closing
Samsung Biologics expects to publish the official tender offer prospectus by the end of August 2026, subject to approval by the Swiss Takeover Board.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. If these conditions are met, Samsung Biologics expects the acquisition to close by the end of 2026. Following completion, the company plans to make PolyPeptide a wholly owned subsidiary and intends to seek the delisting of PolyPeptide’s shares from the SIX Swiss Exchange.
Strengthening a Multi-Modality CDMO Strategy
The acquisition marks another important step in Samsung Biologics’ effort to expand beyond traditional biologics manufacturing. The company has been investing in new technologies and manufacturing capabilities to support the evolving needs of the global pharmaceutical industry.
By adding PolyPeptide’s expertise, Samsung Biologics will be able to offer customers a broader portfolio of manufacturing services, including peptide development alongside its existing biologics capabilities. This combination is expected to help pharmaceutical companies accelerate the development and commercial production of next-generation medicines.
The proposed acquisition is also significant for the South Korean biopharmaceutical industry. According to Samsung Biologics, it is the largest merger and acquisition transaction in South Korea’s biopharmaceutical sector. If completed as planned, the deal will expand Samsung Biologics’ international manufacturing network and strengthen its position in one of the fastest-growing segments of the global pharmaceutical market.
