Samsung Biologics Acquires Polypeptide Group for 2.7 Trillion Won, Sealing the Largest M&A Deal in Korea's Pharma and Biotech Sector

[Financial News] Samsung Biologics is making a full-scale entry into the peptide drug market by acquiring Polypeptide Group, a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in peptides, for about 2.7 trillion won. The deal is the largest merger and acquisition in Korea's pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
Samsung Biologics announced on the 20th that it had signed an acquisition agreement with Polypeptide Group. The company plans to secure 100% ownership by the end of December this year through a purchase of shares from the largest shareholder and a tender offer.
With this acquisition, Samsung Biologics will expand its CDMO business, which has focused on antibody drugs, messenger RNA (mRNA), and Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC), into the peptide sector. Peptides have recently drawn attention as a key ingredient in GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes, and their use is also expanding into cancer, immune disorders, and neurological diseases.
Headquartered in Switzerland, Polypeptide Group is a specialized CDMO company with experience in developing and manufacturing more than 1,000 peptide drugs. It operates six production sites and research and development facilities in five countries, including Europe, the United States, and India, and employs about 1,500 specialists.
Through the acquisition, Samsung Biologics plans to secure production facilities, technology, and specialized talent while also taking over existing CDMO contracts to maintain a stable order pipeline. The company aims to create synergies by combining its large-scale manufacturing experience with peptide production technology, and it will further expand capacity in line with market growth.
Global investment banks expect the worldwide obesity treatment market to grow to as much as $150 billion by 2035, or about 200 trillion won.
John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics, said, "This acquisition is a strategic decision that strengthens our production capacity, business portfolio, and global footprint all at once." He added, "We will further enhance our competitiveness in the global CDMO market."

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