Inyx buys UK-based Celltech Manufacturing Services from UCB for Euro 27.5m
Inyx, a US-based specialist in drug delivery technologies and products, is to pay Euro 27.5m (US$33.5m) for the outstanding shares of UCB subsidiary Celltech Manufacturing Services (CMS), located in Ashton, UK.
The acquisition will provide Inyx with a base of new customers and new development and production capabilities, which include expertise in dry powder inhalers. This complements Inyx's expertise in metered dose inhalers and aerosol sprays. CMS is expected to contribute annual revenues in excess of US$50m (€41m) to Inyx over the first 12 months.
CMS produces a portfolio of branded and non-branded products for UCB and a number of third parties. It operates a 152,000sq ft (13,680sq m) cGMP plant on a 7.3acre site in Ashton, near Manchester, and also close to Inyx Pharma's UK plant in Runcorn, Cheshire. It has approximately 300 employees.
As part of the deal, Inyx receives a five-year manufacturing contract from the Beligian-based UCB Group, as well as a long-term product support and services contract. It also acquires three Celltech product licenses as part of the transaction; two products are indicated for the treatment of thyroid disorders and one for gout.
Inyx plans to change its new subsidiary's name to Ashton Pharmaceuticals, which will operate under Inyx Europe, a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary that will also include Inyx Pharma.