Gerresheimer’s US$1.7B divestment sharpens focus on injectable drug packaging

GERMANY – Gerresheimer has agreed to sell its Centor business and global Primary Packaging Plastics operations to Apax Funds for a combined enterprise value of €1.5 billion (US$1.7 billion), with the German group using the proceeds to accelerate debt reduction and refocus on high-value drug delivery systems.

The transaction, announced on 29 July 2026, covers 16 production sites across nine countries, including the Centor facility in the US and 15 primary plastic packaging plants. 

In 2025, the two businesses generated combined revenue of approximately €570 million (US$650 million) and employed around 2,400 people. 

The sale proceeds will be used to “significantly optimise” Gerresheimer’s capital and financing structure through leverage reduction. 

CEO Röhrhoff: Divestment Enables Strategic Refocus on High-Value Healthcare Segments

Gerresheimer CEO Uwe Röhrhoff stated that the divestment allows the company to sharpen its focus on “high-value” drug delivery systems, medical devices and primary packaging for injectable drugs. 

CFO Wolf Lehmann added that the expected cash inflows, combined with planned comprehensive refinancing, will significantly reduce interest expenses and achieve a sustainable capital structure. 

The transactions will close independently, with Centor expected to be completed by the end of FY26 and the global Primary Packaging Plastics business in the first half of FY27. 

The sale follows Gerresheimer’s rejection of a takeover proposal from US-based Silgan in April.

Apax Partners Acquires Market Leader in Prescription Vials and Pharmaceutical Packaging

Anders Meyerhoff, Partner at Apax, described the acquired businesses as market leaders in prescription vials and primary pharmaceutical packaging, built on a decades-long reputation for quality and reliability. 

Mehmet Tar, Principal at Apax, noted that healthcare packaging plays a critical role in patient safety, with products used to dispense medicines safely to millions of patients every day. 

The transaction represents a major strategic shift for the Düsseldorf-based company, following a challenging FY25 where it reported a consolidated net loss of €318.7 million (US$363.3 million), impacted by €521.5 million (US$594.5 million) in non-cash impairments, compared with adjusted net income of €84.3 million (US$96.1 million) the previous year. 

The divestment positions Gerresheimer to strengthen its balance sheet and concentrate resources on its core pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery systems businesses, where it sees stronger long-term growth prospects.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE