Catalent completes Juniper merger to ‘expand and strengthen’ oral dose manufacturing
Catalent announced the successful completion of its tender offer in a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing this morning. The contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) paid approximately $130m in cash for Juniper’s stock, priced at $11.50 per share.
“The acquisition of Juniper expands and strengthens Catalent’s offerings in formulation development, bioavailability solutions and clinical-scale oral dose manufacturing, and complements its integrated global clinical and commercial supply network,” said Catalent in the filing.
“In addition, as a result of the merger, Juniper will become a wholly owned subsidiary of [Catalent] and the shares of common stock of Juniper will cease to be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market,” the firm added.
Catalent announced plans to acquire Juniper mid-2018, which it said would provide a new European hub and attract a larger share of early-phase development business. The CDMO will also incorporate Juniper’s Nottingham, UK-based Pharma Services business into its network.
As Juniper’s parent company, Catalent will continue to supply Crinone (progesterone gel), marketed by Merck KGaA outside the US.
The merger marks Catalent’s latest investment in development and manufacturing services. In 2016, the CDMO acquired Pharmatek Laboratories in San Diego, US, and in 2017, acquired Cook Pharmica to expand its biologics, cell culture manufacturing, and packaging capabilities.
Earlier this year, the announced plans to invest in its Somerset, NJ, facility, and build a centre of excellent on America’s East Coast.
In April 2018, Catalent increased its clinical packaging and storage capacity in Philadelphia, PA, with a $5.5m site expansion.
