Avantor Completes Acquisition of VWR
Avantor, Inc., a global supplier of ultra-high-purity materials for the life sciences and advanced technology industries, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of VWR Corporation (NASDAQ: VWR), the leading global independent provider of product, supply chain, and service solutions to laboratory and production customers. VWR will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avantor. Michael Stubblefield, Chief Executive Officer of Avantor, will lead the combined company.
The acquisition reflects an enterprise value of approximately $6.5 billion for VWR, with stockholders receiving $33.25 per share in cash. As a result of the closing of the transaction, VWR common stock will cease trading today on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
“The completion of this acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our combined organization,” said Mr. Stubblefield. “The new Avantor is a leading global provider of discovery-to-delivery solutions that offer more value to customers along with an additional layer of supply chain security.”
“With enhanced scale and favorable long-term industry dynamics, we are well positioned to accelerate growth, benefiting from deeper access to the high-growth biopharma, industrial, and applied research sectors. Together we have increased reach and direct channel access, customized logistics and product requirements, and a strong local presence in both developed and emerging markets. Just as important, the combined company will create new opportunities for our stakeholders, including our employees, customers and the industries in which we operate.”
Stubblefield continued, “We are pleased with the significant progress that our cross-functional teams have made through the integration planning process. We intend to successfully combine the best attributes of our operational models, harmonize processes and expand our product and service solutions to best serve our customers. These efforts will create a foundation for success well into the future.”
Manuel Brocke-Benz, former Chief Executive Officer of VWR, commented, “By executing on our business plan and growth strategy, VWR built a truly differentiated company, with broad global distribution capabilities and a breadth of essential products, services and technology offerings for laboratory and production customers around the world. I have every confidence that combining VWR with Avantor’s expertise in high-purity materials will enable the new organization to even better meet our global customers’ evolving needs.”
New Mountain Capital will be the lead shareholder of the combined company. As part of the transaction, the Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division is leading an equity investment in the company.
Avantor will be the corporate name of the new company, and the VWR name will remain in place as one of the company’s selling channels, ensuring a seamless transition for customers and offering the ability to continue ordering from vwr.com. Avantor will maintain a strong presence in both the Lehigh Valley and Radnor, Pennsylvania regions.
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