Listed South Korean CDMO, Samsung Biologics, is acquiring all shares in SIX-listed PolyPeptide, a specialised CDMO for peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients, for CHF44.31 per share. The offer values PolyPeptide’s equity at approximately CHF1.46bn (US$1.8bn).
“This acquisition reinforces our long-term growth strategy by not only broadening our service portfolio with modality expansion into peptides including GLP-1, but by also boosting our geographic reach and proximity further within the US, Europe, and India,” said John Rim, chairman and CEO of Samsung Biologics.
The offer price represents a 40% premium to the CHF31.65 share price on 10 April and a premium of 11.6% to the 60-day VWAP.
The board unanimously recommends that PolyPeptide’s shareholders accept the offer. PolyPeptide’s largest individual shareholder, Draupnir Holding, owning a stake of approximately 55.65% has committed to tender all of its shares.
The transaction aims to provide PolyPeptide with the resources, investment capacity and strategic platform to pursue the next phase of its growth and innovation.
“[The offer] . . . represents a transformational opportunity to accelerate our strategic ambitions at a scale we could not reach alone – creating a stronger global partner for customers and a platform uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of growth in peptide based therapeutics,” said Peter Wilden, chairman of PolyPeptide
PolyPeptide accelerated growth and profitability during the first half of 2026, with revenue of €236.6m in H1 2026, up 41.6% versus the prior-year period, and EBITDA margin improving to 20.7%, up from 2.7% in H1 2025. Growth was primarily driven by metabolic therapeutics, which expanded to €161.7m and now represent around 68% of total revenue (versus approximately 56% in H1 2025).
Morgan Stanley is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Homburger is legal advisor to PolyPeptide.
