Sartorius Expands Cell Culture Media Capabilities

Sartorius has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Israeli cell culture media developer and manufacturer Biological Industries. For approximately €45 million, Sartorius is acquiring just over 50% of the company from its owners, Kibbutz Beit Haemek and private equity fund Fortissimo Capital. An option to acquire a further 20% of the shares within three years was also agreed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to be finalized by mid-December.
 
"By acquiring a majority stake in Biological Industries, we are significantly expanding our cell culture media offering and complementing our product portfolio for customers in the dynamically growing advanced therapies market," said Joachim Kreuzburg, chief executive officer of the Sartorius Group.
 
Biological Industries focuses on cell culture media, particularly for cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine and other advanced therapies. Founded in 1981, the company currently employs approximately 130 people mainly at its headquarters, R&D and manufacturing site close to Haifa, Israel, and at sales locations in the U.S., Europe and China. Biological Industries has recorded significant revenue growth and expects to achieve sales of approximately €25 million with a double-digit operating EBITDA margin in the current year.
 
Cell culture media are used in research, clinical development and production of biopharmaceuticals as well as in cell and tissue therapy applications. The company offers complete media solutions including a strong portfolio of clinical-grade media for cultivating cells and stem cells and for cryopreservation, applications that are both particularly relevant in advanced therapy research and clinical development. In addition, Biological Industries provides cell culture reagents as well as classical and serum-free media.