Unither Pharmaceuticals

Unither is the pioneer of the manufacture of sterile unit doses using Blow-Fill-Seal technology (BFS) with applications in asthma treatments and ophthalmology.

Unither was established in 1993, having acquired a manufacturing plant from Sanofi-Aventis in Amiens, France. The business grew rapidly, becoming a specialised contract development and manufacturing operator (CMDO) to the pharmaceutical industry.

Today, Unither is the global market leader in BFS or stick pack packaging, with a research and development centre and four production sites in France, along with further sites in the USA and Brazil. The business is backed by a 1,200-strong workforce.

VALUE CREATION

Equistone has worked alongside the management team to support its plans for international expansion with:

• The implementation of BFS and stick pack technology in the USA, following the acquisition of UCB’s pharmaceutical plant in Rochester, USA, in October 2013.
• The acquisition of Brazilian CDMO, Mariol Industrial, in December 2015, which strengthening its presence in the fast-growing South American market.

During the investment period, Unither expanded its product offering and also benefited from an increased demand from the market. As a result, turnover has increased from €162m in 2011 to €271m budgeted for the financial year ending 2016.

THE EXIT

In March 2017, Equistone Partners Europe sold its Fund IV investment in Unither Pharmaceuticals to Ardian.