Ropes & Gray Advises 65 Equity Partners on Acquisition by HAS of Cerbios-Pharma

Ropes & Gray has advised global investment firm 65 Equity Partners on HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis SA’s (“HAS”) planned acquisition of Cerbios-Pharma SA (“Cerbios”). HAS is a leading international developer and producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients, high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients, and anticancer compounds, and Cerbios is a globally recognised manufacturer of chemical and biological APIs, including in the fast-growing area of antibody drug conjugates. Both companies are based in Switzerland and sell globally.

65 Equity Partners is backing the merger, partnering with these family businesses and entrepreneurs in the acquisition and merger process to drive long-term company growth and innovation. As part of the transaction, it becomes a c.40% shareholder in the combined company alongside the Braglia family who retain majority ownership.

The combination of HAS and Cerbios creates a highly complementary and integrated leader in the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation industry. Together, the two companies bring extensive production, chemical and biological expertise, technical excellence, and a broader range of services to meet the evolving needs of the global pharmaceutical industry.

With the strategic backing of 65 Equity Partners, the new Group is uniquely positioned for growth in an industry underpinned by strong structural tailwinds including demand for complex therapies and continued innovation in drug development.

The Ropes & Gray team was led by private equity partner John Newton with support from associates Sam Wolfe-Murray, Kenan Ceylan and Max Banister-Buffery. Additional support was provided by tax partner Chris Agnoli and associate Charles Voisey, life sciences partner Lincoln Tsang and associates Austin Laroche and Daisy Bray, and litigation & enforcement trainee Simran Gill.