News Article

German manufacturer Gerresheimer AG has entered into definitive agreements to sell its Centor prescription packaging business and its global Primary Packaging Plastics division to funds advised by Apax Partners for a combined enterprise value of approximately €1.5bn.

Gerresheimer, a global partner for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and cosmetics industries, confirmed that the transaction includes 15 production sites for primary plastic packaging across nine countries alongside the Centor manufacturing facility in the United States. These combined business units generated approximately €570 million in revenue during 2025 and currently employ roughly 2,400 people.

The divestment represents a critical step for the Düsseldorf based company as it seeks to optimise its capital structure and significantly reduce its debt burden. Gerresheimer reported net financial debt of approximately €2 billion at the end of 2025. Management indicated that the proceeds will be utilised to accelerate debt reduction and lower interest expenses, helping the firm return to a more sustainable capital framework.

Chief Executive Uwe Röhrhoff stated that the deal allows the group to regain strategic flexibility while focusing more intensely on high value drug delivery systems and medical devices for injectable drugs.

From an operational perspective, the sales will be completed independently of one another through a phased timeline. The disposal of Centor is expected to close by the end of the 2026 financial year, while the sale of the global Primary Packaging Plastics unit is projected for completion in the first half of 2027.

Apax Partners intends to operate the businesses as a standalone entity, providing capital for innovation and further expansion in the United States.