- BC Partners is excited to support Biogaran in building a French-headquartered, industry-leading supplier of high-quality generic medication.
- Leveraging its deep pharmaceutical sector expertise, operational insight, and long-term capital, BC Partners aims to help accelerate growth while continuing to champion essential, affordable healthcare in France.
- With nearly four decades of investment experience in France, BC Partners is a trusted partner to local entrepreneurs, founders, and management teams.
Servier, an international pharmaceutical company governed by a foundation, and BC Partners, a leading European investment firm, have today announced that they have entered into exclusive negotiations regarding BC Partners’ acquisition of Biogaran, one of France’s largest generic drug companies. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Biogaran, a leader in the generic market in France and an active contributor to cost savings in the French healthcare system, was founded by Servier over 25 years ago. Over the years, the company has established itself as a key player in the pharmaceutical industry. Today, Biogaran offers treatments across the full spectrum of therapeutic areas — from everyday conditions to the most serious diseases — and supplies a wide range of medicines, including antibiotics, antidiabetics, and anticancer drugs.
In partnership with management, BC Partners will continue to build on the company’s position as a critical provider of generic pharmaceuticals to the French market, whilst helping to fuel further expansion in biosimilars and consumer healthcare products, which have been identified as major new cost-saving drivers for the French healthcare system.
BC Partners, founded in Europe, brings extensive experience in the French market, having invested more than €4 billion across France and the Benelux region since opening its Paris office in 1987. BC Partners combines this local presence with a strong track record of partnering with healthcare leaders and innovators, including investments in companies such as Pharmathen, Synthon, and France-based Havea, making it a natural partner of choice for Biogaran.
Cédric Dubourdieu, Partner and Head of France at BC Partners, added: “Biogaran is a recognised leader in the French healthcare sector, with a rich history and a compelling opportunity for continued growth. We look forward to helping drive the business forwards, in partnership with management, while respecting the vital role Biogaran plays within France’s healthcare landscape, and French society more broadly.”
Mark Hersee, Partner and Co-head of Healthcare at BC Partners, commented: “Biogaran is a pioneer in generic drugs, a market we know incredibly well, and one where we have developed tried-and-tested playbooks for growth over many years. Our experience in this space, from successful investments in generic pharmaceutical leaders such as Pharmathen and Synthon, means we are well positioned to help the company identify opportunities and boost its full potential.”
“We see this potential sale as a fantastic opportunity for Biogaran’s future. It is fully in line with Biogaran’s vision and strategy to consolidate our position as the leader in generic drugs in France, while expanding into new high-potential market segments. This would enable us to continue to fully embody our mission of contributing to the sustainability of the French healthcare system for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals by ensuring better access to care. We look forward to working with BC Partners.” said Guillaume Recorbet, CEO of Biogaran.
“This project would be perfectly in line with the strategic orientations of Biogaran and Servier. On the one hand, this project would entail new ownership for Biogaran that would boost its development potential. BC Partners is a leading European investor and would be perfectly positioned to lead the next stage of development for Biogaran, in line with the interests of its stakeholders, which is a strategic condition for Servier. On the other hand, the proceeds from this transaction should enable Servier to accelerate its focus, particularly on innovative treatments in oncology and neurology, and to continue creating value in France, as we have been committed to doing for more than 70 years.” said Olivier Laureau, president of Servier.
Servier was advised by Lazard and Dentons for this project. BC Partners was advised by Rothschild & Cie, Kirkland & Ellis, Gide Loyrette Nouel and Eight Advisory.
The proposed transaction remains subject to the finalisation of definitive agreements, the appropriate employee representative processes, and the usual regulatory approvals.
