Houlihan Lokey Advises Astorg

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Astorg has acquired CordenPharma from International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG). CordenPharma is a leading global pharmaceutical CDMO (Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization) with highly differentiated capabilities in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Excipients and Drug Products. As part of the transaction, the founders will take the opportunity to reinvest as partners with Astorg. Astorg will work with CordenPharma to further accelerate growth through both organic and external initiatives.

Established in 2006, CordenPharma today employs more than 2,600 people in 11 manufacturing facilities and one R&D laboratory located across Europe and the US. The company serves more than 250 blue-chip pharma and biotech customers across five technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates (notably lipids for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics), Highly Potent & Oncology, Injectables and Small Molecules. As a key partner for the pharma industry, CordenPharma provides distinctive know-how, an integrated product offering, and end-to-end capabilities from early-stage development to commercial large-scale manufacturing. The company has experienced strong organic growth thanks to its position in complex and fast-growing drug modalities, including mRNA vaccines, peptides, and high-potency compounds, notably for oncology therapeutics.

Astorg is a European private equity firm with over €15 billion of assets under management. Astorg works with entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire market-leading global companies headquartered in Europe or the US, providing them with the strategic guidance, governance, and capital they need to achieve their growth plans. Astorg has offices in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, Milan, and Luxembourg.

Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor to Astorg on its acquisition of CordenPharma. This deal highlights Houlihan Lokey’s strong relationships and M&A expertise in the DACH region as well as its ability to work across countries and sector groups, with close collaboration between the Chemicals and Healthcare teams.