Synthon, a Global Leader in Complex Generic Drug Development and Manufacturing, Announces Investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives
Nijmegen, 16th December 2024 – Today, Synthon (the “Company”), a leading platform specialized in developing, manufacturing, and out-licensing complex generic medicines, announced that the Private Equity business at Goldman Sachs Alternatives will acquire a majority stake in the Company from funds advised by BC Partners, who will continue to own a significant stake in the Company. Goldman Sachs Alternatives is excited to partner with BC Partners and Synthon’s management to support the Company’s mission of enabling affordable medicines for patients globally and back the Company’s next stage of growth, focused on advancing existing products and launching new medicines by way of leveraging Synthon’s differentiated, science-backed, intellectual property-driven development platform.
Synthon is a vertically integrated global leader in the development, manufacture, and out-licensing of complex generics and hybrid medicines for patients around the world. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Synthon has approximately 1,600 employees and operates four research laboratories and four manufacturing sites located in the Czech Republic, Spain, Chile, and Argentina. Founded in 1991, Synthon now operates across a diversified base of more than 200 customers across around 100 countries, supplying high-quality complex generic pharmaceuticals based upon its differentiated intellectual property strategy.
Anish Mehta, Synthon CEO, said: “The journey over the last few years with BC Partners has been an exciting one – and we thank them for their support and collaboration. They have been an important strategic partner for Synthon and the management team as we transformed the business into a best-in-class, high-growth development company. Working together to identify opportunities, we made significant strategic investments to accelerate our growth, improve our operational network, and advance our R&D platforms and capabilities for increasingly complex generics. As we look to the next phase of our growth journey, we are excited to be partnering with Goldman Sachs Alternatives, and continuing to work with BC. The network, expertise, and combined resources of both firms will be a key enabler for our continued growth and success in the coming years.”
Adam Dawson, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Healthcare Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: "We look forward to collaborating with management to drive value creation through product and pipeline development and operational excellence initiatives as well as execute on our joint vision to strengthen Synthon’s global impact. Synthon’s track record and expertise in complex drug development, intellectual property formation, and manufacturing position it well to capture the secular growth of generic medicines and increase access to affordable medicines for patients globally."
Michael Bruun, Partner and Global Co-Head of Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: “We have keenly followed Synthon’s trajectory for many years and see tremendous opportunities for future growth. We are thrilled to partner with BC Partners and Synthon’s management. We look forward to supporting management with the Goldman Sachs network and value acceleration resources."
Mark Hersee, Partner and Co-Head of Healthcare at BC Partners, said: “Synthon is a fantastic business and it has been a pleasure to partner with Anish and the rest of the team since we first invested in 2019. During our ownership we have heavily invested in additional complex technologies, expanded manufacturing capabilities, and strengthened the team to enter new geographies, all building on the great work of the Founders. We see great potential for Synthon, and it is for that reason we are delighted to partner with the Goldman Sachs Alternatives team in continuing to grow and expand the business.”
Synthon was advised by Rothschild & Co, Barclays, Latham & Watkins, and PwC. Goldman Sachs Alternatives was advised by Goldman Sachs International – Investment Banking Division, Jefferies, White & Case, Deloitte, A&O Shearman, and Sullivan & Cromwell. The transaction is subject to approvals and is expected to close in Q2 2025, subject to receipt of such approvals. 2
About Synthon
Synthon is a vertically integrated, global leader in the development and manufacturing of complex generics. For over three decades, the Company has established a proven track record of launching differentiated, complex products at market formation. Synthon has a global footprint with direct presence in eight countries, including four R&D labs as well as four manufacturing sites located in Spain, Czech Republic, Argentina, and Chile. The Company is headquartered in the Netherlands and has approximately 1,600 employees. With a portfolio of over 70 molecules, and diversified base of more than 200 customers serving around 100 countries, Synthon is delivering on its mission of Enabling Affordable Medicines Globally. Follow us on LinkedIn.
For further information, please visit https://www.synthon.com/
About Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is one of the leading investors in alternatives globally, with over $500 billion in assets and more than 30 years of experience. The business invests in the full spectrum of alternatives including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and sustainability. Clients access these solutions through direct strategies, customized partnerships, and open-architecture programs. The business is driven by a focus on partnership and shared success with its clients, seeking to deliver long-term investment performance drawing on its global network and deep expertise across industries and markets. The alternative investments platform is part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which delivers investment and advisory services across public and private markets for the world’s leading institutions, financial advisors, and individuals. Goldman Sachs has over $3 trillion in assets under supervision globally as of September 30, 2024. Established in 1986, Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives has invested over $75 billion since inception. The business combines a global network of relationships, unique insight across markets, industries and regions, and the worldwide resources of Goldman Sachs to build businesses and accelerate value creation across its portfolios. Follow us on LinkedIn.
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