Samsung Biologics Launches $1.8 Billion Bid to Expand Global Drug Manufacturing

20 July 2026

South Korean biotechnology giant Samsung Biologics is making one of the biggest moves in its history with a $1.8 billion all cash offer to acquire Swiss contract drug manufacturer PolyPeptide Group. The proposed takeover marks the largest acquisition ever undertaken by Samsung Biologics and reflects the company's growing ambition to strengthen its position in one of the fastest growing areas of the pharmaceutical industry, peptide based therapeutics.

The company announced that it will offer 44.31 Swiss francs per share for PolyPeptide, valuing the transaction at approximately 1.46 billion Swiss francs, or about $1.81 billion. The offer represents a premium of roughly 6.1 percent over PolyPeptide's most recent closing share price, giving shareholders an immediate incentive to support the deal. Samsung Biologics expects to officially launch the tender offer by the end of August, with the acquisition targeted for completion before the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The acquisition reflects Samsung Biologics' strategy of expanding beyond its already dominant position in biologic drug manufacturing. While the company has become one of the world's leading contract development and manufacturing organizations for antibody based medicines, demand is rapidly increasing for peptide therapies, particularly treatments used for obesity and diabetes. By acquiring PolyPeptide, Samsung gains immediate expertise and manufacturing capacity in this rapidly growing segment of the pharmaceutical market.

Peptide based medicines have become one of the industry's hottest areas thanks to the global success of GLP-1 drugs, including widely prescribed treatments for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. As pharmaceutical companies race to develop similar therapies, manufacturers capable of producing these complex medicines have become increasingly valuable. Samsung believes adding PolyPeptide's specialized capabilities will allow it to better serve existing customers while attracting new pharmaceutical partners seeking reliable production capacity.

PolyPeptide's leadership has welcomed the proposed acquisition. The Swiss company's board of directors unanimously recommended that shareholders accept Samsung's offer, describing the transaction as a compelling opportunity to accelerate the company's long term growth. Board members believe joining Samsung Biologics will provide greater financial resources, broader global reach and increased investment that would be difficult to achieve independently.

Support for the transaction has also come from PolyPeptide's largest shareholder. Draupnir Holding, which controls approximately 55.65 percent of the company's shares, has agreed to tender its entire stake into the offer. The backing of the majority shareholder significantly increases the likelihood that Samsung will secure control of the company once the tender process begins. Draupnir is owned by the Cryosphere Foundation, an organization linked to Swedish billionaire Frederik Paulsen, who has long held a significant interest in PolyPeptide.

Following completion of the acquisition, Samsung Biologics plans to acquire any remaining minority shares through a squeeze out process before delisting PolyPeptide from the SIX Swiss Exchange. The company would then operate as a wholly owned subsidiary within Samsung's global biotechnology business. Executives believe full ownership will simplify operations while allowing closer integration of research, manufacturing and commercial activities across both organizations.

The acquisition also highlights a broader trend among South Korean corporations pursuing overseas expansion through strategic mergers and acquisitions. Industry analysts note that outbound deals by South Korean companies have increased significantly over the past year as firms seek advanced technologies, international manufacturing facilities and greater access to global markets. For Samsung Biologics, the purchase represents another step in its transformation from a regional manufacturer into a worldwide pharmaceutical powerhouse.

PolyPeptide brings an extensive international manufacturing network to the transaction. The company operates production facilities across several European countries as well as the United States and India, giving Samsung immediate access to additional geographic markets and strengthening its global supply chain. These facilities complement Samsung's existing manufacturing operations in South Korea and broaden its ability to serve pharmaceutical clients around the world.

As demand for innovative medicines continues to grow, manufacturers capable of producing complex therapies are becoming increasingly important partners for the pharmaceutical industry. Samsung Biologics believes this acquisition positions the company at the forefront of that expansion by combining its large scale manufacturing expertise with PolyPeptide's specialized knowledge in peptide therapeutics. If completed as planned, the transaction will represent a major milestone for both companies while reshaping the competitive landscape of global contract drug manufacturing.