Lonza Expands U.S. Presence with Key Acquisition from Merck KGaA

Lonza Group AG, based in Basel, Switzerland, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire five CDMO manufacturing sites in the United States from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The acquisition, valued in the low- to mid-triple-digit million Swiss francs, will more than double Lonza's U.S. footprint, expanding from four to nine sites.

This strategic move will enhance Lonza’s capabilities in bioconjugation, payload-linkers, and viral vectors. The transaction will add approximately 1,100 skilled employees to Lonza's workforce, significantly increasing its U.S. team to over 6,000 employees.

The acquisition supports Lonza’s One Lonza Strategy, aiming for long-term growth and closer client collaboration. Expected to close by mid-2027, this development strengthens Lonza’s market position in advanced drug delivery and life sciences.