Partners Group, a global private markets firm, has, on behalf of its clients, agreed to acquire Pharmathen, a European pharmaceutical company, from international investment firm BC Partners. The transaction values the company at an enterprise value of around EUR 1.6 billion.

Founded in 1969, Pharmathen is a contract development and manufacturing organization specialized in advanced drug delivery technologies for complex generic pharmaceutical products.

Pharmathen’s B2B model attracts a customer base of more than 215 generic pharmaceutical companies, which it serves from two US/EU-approved manufacturing facilities in Greece. The company’s product portfolio of 80 commercialized products is accessed by patients in more than 85 countries worldwide.

Partners Group will work closely with Pharmathen’s management team, led by CEO Dimitris Kadis, on initiatives to scale the business in Europe and globally. In particular, Partners Group will support the company to accelerate its expansion in the US, by building out its on-the-ground presence.

“Pharmathen is very well-regarded by the broader pharmaceutical industry as an innovative and forward-thinking company,” says Pascal Noth, managing director, Private Equity Europe, Partners Group. “It is a mission-critical partner to its B2B clients whose advanced pharmaceutical technologies create real societal impact and optimize treatment outcomes for patients.”

Partners Group’s private equity team has invested more than USD 5 billion in health and life companies on behalf of its clients since inception. Other recent investments in the sector include PCI Pharma Services, EyeCare Partners, Confluent Health and Wedgewood Pharmacy.