Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, has signed a definitive agreement to divest its contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business within its Life Science business sector to Lonza, a global contract development and manufacturing organization.

The announcement was made on 3 November 2026 from Darmstadt, Germany.

Lonza Acquisition Targets Mid-2027 Completion

Lonza will acquire the business for a mid-triple-digit million-euro amount. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027, subject to customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

Strategic Rationale for the Divestment

The transaction advances the mid- to long-term strategic agenda of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, by focusing its portfolio on innovation-driven businesses with strong value-creation potential.

According to the company, this means prioritizing areas where its science and technology capabilities offer the greatest opportunity to lead and meet evolving customer needs.

The divestment also positions the CDMO business for its next phase of development under an organization with a dedicated focus on contract development and manufacturing.

At the same time, the move sharpens the focus of the Life Science business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, while providing the CDMO business with a strong platform for growth under new ownership.

Leadership Commentary

"Today's announcement is another important step in advancing our mid- to long-term strategic agenda," said Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

"As announced during our strategy update in May, we continue to focus our portfolio on innovation-driven businesses that build on our core capabilities and strengthen our long-term competitive position within Life Science and across the entire portfolio of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. At the same time, we continue to connect and scale capabilities across the company to leverage our unique market position as an integrated science and technology company."

"I would like to sincerely thank all of our CDMO colleagues whose expertise and commitment have contributed to the success of this business over many years," he added.

Continuity for Life Science Customers

The company stated that the Life Science sector's broad portfolio of consumables, technologies and services will continue to equip pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and CDMO customers from discovery through manufacturing, enabling breakthrough scientific innovation.

This continuity underscores that the divestment of the CDMO business does not alter the sector's ability to serve its customer base across the full value chain.

Transaction Details and Timeline

The agreement, signed with Lonza, values the business at a mid-triple-digit million-euro amount. Closing is anticipated in mid-2027, with the completion of the deal contingent on customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

Until the transaction closes, the CDMO business remains part of the Life Science business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

The announcement was published by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, noting that in the United States and Canada the subsidiaries of the company operate under the umbrella brand EMD.

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