Avantor to spend $6.4bn on VWR acquisition

By Flora Southey

- Last updated on GMT

iStock/Vepar5
iStock/Vepar5
Avantor has agreed to purchase independent laboratory product, supply chain and service provider VWR for approximately $6.4bn (€5.9bn), reflecting a share price of $33.25.

Spokesperson Allison Hosak told us the acquisition will expand Avantor’s offering for key customers, including biopharma.

“We will create a larger, stronger, and more diversified company with significantly enhanced scale and product breadth that is better able to address evolving customer needs​,” she said.

Avantor CEO Michael Stubblefield said the combined company will “provide end-to-end solutions that offer increased quality, effectiveness, and productivity.”

The firm expects Avantor’s exposure to emerging markets to compliment VWR’s position across the Americans and Europe.

Staff integration

VWR employs more than 10,000 employees.

Exact employment integration decisions have not yet been finalized, Hosak told us.

“We’ll formally begin the integration process after the deal closes, which we anticipate occurring in the third quarter of this year, assuming we receive necessary approvals and other closing conditions are satisfied. We are starting integration planning efforts now,”​ she said.

Avantor supplies materials and services to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, aerospace, defence, and semiconductor industries.

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