Merck acquires Avecia Biologics

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. Merck & Co. will acquire the biologics business of a British biotechnology group, Merck announced Thursday.

Merck will acquire Avecia Biologics, a contract manufacturer focused on biologics microbe-derived biologics, under an agreement with Tees Valley, England-based Avecia Investments, through its British affiliate, which operates under the name Merck Sharpe & Dohme. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“At Merck, we continue to executive on our strategy of expanding our biopharmaceutical expertise and manufacturing capacity,” Merck Manufacturing Division SVP biologics and therapeutic protein operations John McCubbins said. “This transaction follows an initial strategic development and supply relationship with Avecia Biologics and will provide us with an operational facility staffed by an experienced workforce that is highly skilled in a broad portfolio of bioprocess systems.”