21 Partners acquires Synerlab from Ardian, which reinvests in the company

21 Partners, a leading European private equity firm, announces today that it has agreed to acquire Synerlab from Ardian, the premium independent private investment company. The transaction will be executed alongside Synerlab’s management team, led by its President Pierre Banzet. Ardian will subsequently reinvest in the company in order to support Synerlab with its pan-European development, together with 21 Partners.

Synerlab is a pharmaceutical contract manufacturing firm and a recognized European leader in the production of sterile liquid solutions which do not use preserving agents. The company has unique expertise in small- to large-size industrial production, which positions the Group as an ideal partner for the major manufacturers.

The Group has a particular focus on R&D, enabling it to support its clients through the pharmaceutical development and formulation process. Synerlab has developed a diverse client portfolio, mainly comprised of manufacturers and medium- to large-size laboratories. The Group has more than 600 employees across four production sites and one R&D center, all based in France. 21 Partners and Ardian, the historical shareholders which entered the capital of Synerlab in 2007, will provide their combined expertise to support the ambitious growth strategy of the Group, which will be built on three distinct ‘pillars’:

• organic growth, supported by a specialization of pharmaceutical contract manufacturing and manufacturing development more broadly;
• international development, which includes supporting the growth of its clients and expanding into new markets – already accounting for 40% of the Group’s turnover;
• market consolidation, where, after three successful build-ups in France, the Group plans to continue its European consolidation, with a particular focus on Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland.

Pierre Banzet, President of Synerlab, said: “The management team and I are delighted with the partnership between 21 Partners and Ardian, who will both provide us with the networks and support which will allow our Group to enter a new stage of development.”

Gérard Pluvinet, Founding Managing Partner of 21 Partners, added: “We completely share the strategic view of Pierre Banzet and his team. We are excited to support them in their ambitious development plan within the European markets.”

Francois Jerphagnon, Managing Director Small Market Enterprise Capital at Ardian, added: “After a successful six year partnership with Synerlab’s management team, in which Synerlab has strengthened its position with three build-ups, we are pleased to extend this partnership for this new stage of structural development.”

The agreement remains subject to the authorization of the antitrust authorities.