Gerresheimer, an innovative system and solution provider and global partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech, and cosmetics industries, has successfully completed the sale of its U.S. subsidiary Centor within just two months, following the fulfilment of customary closing conditions. On July 29, 2026, Gerresheimer had entered into definitive agreements with a subsidiary of funds advised by Apax Partners LLP (“Apax Funds”) regarding the sale of Centor US Holding Inc., USA, as well as Gerresheimer’s global Primary Packaging Plastics (PPP) business. The total purchase price for the two business units is based on a combined enterprise value of approximately EUR 1.5 billion, with Centor accounting for about half of the amount. The parties have agreed not to disclose further terms of the agreement. Gerresheimer will use the proceeds from the closing of the first transaction to lower its debt. The closing of the sale of the Primary Packaging Plastics business is expected in the first half of 2027.
“With the successful completion of the Centor sale, we have reached an important milestone. The cash inflow strengthens our financial position and supports the further reduction of our debt. In parallel with the sales, we are putting Gerresheimer back on an absolutely solid basis for the long term through the planned new capital structure,” explains Wolf Lehmann, CFO of Gerresheimer AG.
“It is particularly gratifying that we were able to complete the sale of Centor within just two months,” adds Achim Schalk, a member of the Management Board. “Our full focus is now on the carve-out of the Primary Packaging Plastics business so that we can successfully complete this transaction also as quickly as possible and implement Gerresheimer’s portfolio restructuring as planned. The new Gerresheimer will be even more focused on high-quality primary packaging and drug delivery systems. These two business areas are characterised by attractive growth prospects, high regulatory barriers to entry, and long-term customer relationships.”
With the cash inflow from the now-completed sale of Centor and the expected cash inflow from the sale of the Primary Packaging Plastics business, Gerresheimer will significantly reduce its debt. Following the completion of the Primary Packaging Plastics sale, a comprehensive refinancing of the Group is also planned, which is currently being prepared in consultation with the creditors.
