INCHEON, South Korea, July 20, 2026
Samsung Biologics has announced a landmark all-cash public tender offer to acquire 100% of PolyPeptide Group AG, one of the world’s leading contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) specializing in peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The proposed acquisition values PolyPeptide at approximately CHF 1.46 billion, with shareholders set to receive CHF 44.31 per share. The strategic transaction marks one of the most significant mergers in the global biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector this year and is expected to significantly expand Samsung Biologics’ multi-modality CDMO capabilities, strengthen its manufacturing footprint across the United States, Europe, and India, and accelerate its long-term growth strategy in the rapidly expanding peptide therapeutics market, including GLP-1 medicines, obesity, diabetes, oncology, and other high-growth therapeutic areas.
Acquisition Expands Samsung Biologics’ Multi-Modality CDMO Platform
The proposed acquisition represents a major strategic step for Samsung Biologics as it broadens its capabilities beyond monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) into the fast-growing field of peptide therapeutics. PolyPeptide is recognized globally for more than 70 years of peptide manufacturing expertise and has successfully produced over 1,000 therapeutic peptides supporting pharmaceutical innovators worldwide. By integrating PolyPeptide’s specialized peptide technologies with Samsung Biologics’ large-scale biologics manufacturing infrastructure, the combined organization aims to establish one of the industry’s most comprehensive end-to-end multi-modality CDMO platforms. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Samsung Biologics’ ability to support clients developing GLP-1 therapies, peptide-based medicines for obesity, diabetes, oncology, and numerous emerging therapeutic indications where global demand continues to accelerate.
Global Manufacturing Network Strengthened Across Key Markets
Beyond expanding its technology portfolio, the transaction significantly increases Samsung Biologics’ global operational reach. PolyPeptide operates advanced research, development, and commercial manufacturing facilities across Sweden, Belgium, France, the United States, and India, in addition to its corporate headquarters in Switzerland and its innovation center in Strasbourg, France. These facilities provide integrated development-to-commercial manufacturing capabilities supported by flexible modular production and advanced automation technologies. Following completion of the acquisition, Samsung Biologics expects to combine PolyPeptide’s experienced scientific workforce, specialized peptide manufacturing expertise, and established customer relationships with its own global manufacturing excellence. The expanded network is expected to improve operational efficiency, increase production capacity, and enhance the company’s ability to serve pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners across multiple therapeutic modalities while strengthening supply chain resilience in key international markets.
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Board Support Positions Transaction for Completion in 2026
The proposed acquisition has received strong institutional backing, with PolyPeptide’s independent Board of Directors unanimously recommending that shareholders accept the offer following a comprehensive strategic review. In addition, PolyPeptide’s largest shareholder, representing approximately 55.65% of outstanding shares, has provided an irrevocable commitment to tender its holdings. Under the proposed terms, Samsung Biologics intends to launch the formal tender offer by the end of August 2026, subject to Swiss takeover regulations, customary regulatory approvals, and a minimum acceptance threshold of 66â…”% of outstanding shares. Upon successful completion, expected toward the end of 2026, Samsung Biologics plans to acquire all remaining minority shares, delist PolyPeptide from the SIX Swiss Exchange, and operate the company as a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition reinforces Samsung Biologics’ long-term vision of becoming the world’s leading global multi-modality CDMO, expanding its portfolio, geographic footprint, manufacturing capacity, and ability to support the next generation of innovative biopharmaceutical therapies.
Source: Samsung Biologics, PolyPeptide press release
