Samsung Biologics said on July 20 that it has signed an agreement to acquire PolyPeptide Group, a global peptide drug CDMO, for about 2.7 trillion won (about $1.46 billion in Swiss francs)—the largest M&A deal in history for Korea’s pharmaceutical and biotech industry. After the announcement, the stock closed the same day at 1,359,000 won, down 37,000 won.
July 20 M&A Agreement: Acquisition Price, Equity Structure, and December-End Completion Timeline
According to Samsung Biologics’ public disclosure dated July 20, 2026, the key terms of the acquisition are as follows: the acquisition price is approximately 2.7 trillion won (about $1.46 billion in Swiss francs). The target plans to obtain 100% of PolyPeptide Group’s shares by acquiring equity held by major shareholders and through a subsequent tender offer, with the plan to complete the entire acquisition process by the end of December 2026.
Samsung Biologics CEO John Rim said in a statement: “This acquisition is a strategic investment that will strengthen the company’s three major growth pillars—capacity, business portfolio, and global footprint. By combining the capabilities of both companies, we will provide customers with broader solutions and further enhance our competitiveness in the global CDMO market.” PolyPeptide Group Chairman Peter Wilden said that combining Samsung Biologics’ large-scale manufacturing capabilities will give PolyPeptide a differentiated competitive edge in the global peptide CDMO market.
PolyPeptide Group Asset Overview: Six Production Sites, 1,500 Employees, and Core Technology
PolyPeptide Group has six production facilities and R&D facilities across the following five countries, with about 1,500 professional employees:
· Malmö, Sweden
· Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium
· Torrance, United States
· San Diego, United States
· Strasbourg, France
· Ambernath, India
PolyPeptide was founded in 1996 and has extensive experience developing and producing more than 1,000 types of peptide drugs, as well as manufacturing technology that significantly reduces the use of organic solvents in peptide drug production, helping improve manufacturing efficiency and meet environmental requirements.
Three-Axis Expansion Strategy and GLP-1 Market Backdrop
This acquisition is part of Samsung Biologics’ “three-axis expansion strategy” (strengthening capacity, business portfolio, and geographic footprint). In terms of its business portfolio, Samsung Biologics’ existing business mainly focused on antibody drugs; it had previously expanded into mRNA and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This time, entering peptide CDMO further expands its business scope.
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs—including Eli Lilly’s Zepbound/Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy—are the main drug category used to treat obesity and diabetes with peptide-based substances. In recent years, global pharmaceutical companies have also expanded peptide applications to cancer drugs, immune system diseases, and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
At present, there are more than 170 peptide drug candidates in clinical development globally, with more than 80 already successfully launched. Global investment banks predict that by 2035, the global obesity drug market will reach $150 billion (about 200 trillion won).
FAQ
What are the acquisition amount and completion timeline for Samsung Biologics’ acquisition of PolyPeptide Group?
According to Samsung Biologics’ public disclosure on July 20, 2026, the acquisition price is approximately 2.7 trillion won (about $1.46 billion in Swiss francs). The goal is to obtain 100% of PolyPeptide Group’s shares, with plans to complete by the end of December 2026; the specific procedures will follow the official announcement.
What production assets does PolyPeptide Group have?
PolyPeptide Group has six production sites across five countries (Sweden, Belgium, the United States, France, and India), with about 1,500 professional employees. It has the capability to develop and produce more than 1,000 peptide drug types and possesses proprietary manufacturing technology to reduce the use of organic solvents.
How did Samsung Biologics’ stock perform on the day of the announcement?
Based on July 20, 2026 data, Samsung Biologics’ stock reported 1,359,000 won, down 37,000 won from the previous day (-2.65%).
