Avantor, a global supplier of ultra-high-purity materials for the life sciences and advanced technology industries, and VWR (NASDAQ: VWR), the major global independent provider of product, supply chain, and service solutions to laboratory and production customers, recently entered into a definitive agreement under which Avantor will acquire VWR. The acquisition will be done for $33.25 in cash per share of VWR common stock, reflecting an enterprise value of approximately $6.4 billion.
The acquisition will build on each company's strengths, including Avantor's cGMP manufacturing processes, significant exposure to emerging markets and VWR's position across the Americas and Europe.
It is expected that Avantor's acquisition of VWR will -
- Create a major consumables-focused solutions and services provider to the life sciences and advanced technologies industries, as well as education, government, and research institutions across the globe
- Create a vertically integrated global player in manufacturing and supply chain solutions for the life sciences, advanced technologies, and research industries
- Provide broad offerings and compelling solutions for customers in all stages of their key activities, from research to production
According to Michael Stubblefield, Chief Executive Officer of Avantor, "Avantor's acquisition of VWR is both highly compelling and complementary. We will bring together our well-known expertise in ultra-high-purity materials and customized solutions with VWR's global scale, unparalleled channel access, and deep customer relationships. Collectively, this will create a larger, stronger and more diversified company with significantly enhanced scale and product breadth. The global customers that we plan to serve in a more high-touch manner will immediately benefit from the combination, as we will provide end-to-end solutions that offer increased quality, effectiveness, and productivity."