Samsung Biologics launches a 1.46 billion Swiss franc all-cash bid to acquire PolyPeptide Group
Samsung Biologics has launched a public tender offer to acquire 100% of the share capital of PolyPeptide Group for 1.46 billion Swiss francs ($1.8 billion). Under the terms of the deal, shareholders will receive 44.31 Swiss francs per share, representing a 40% premium over the undisturbed share price. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026. The acquisition marks the largest biopharmaceutical merger in Switzerland's history. Samsung Biologics aims to diversify its portfolio by expanding into peptide therapeutics, a rapidly growing segment driven by high demand for obesity and diabetes treatments, such as GLP-1 therapies. By integrating PolyPeptide’s specialized expertise, the South Korean firm will broaden its capabilities beyond antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates. The deal also expands the global footprint of Samsung Biologics, securing PolyPeptide’s manufacturing and R&D networks across Sweden, Belgium, France, the U.S., and India. The Board of Directors of PolyPeptide unanimously recommended the offer, noting it provides immediate value and positions the company for a transformational growth phase within the global CDMO platform.