A new mid-size CDMO : Meribel Pharma Solutions has launched with an extensive integrated network across Europe

In April 2024, Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC, a middle market private equity firm that invests in buyouts, recapitalizations and growth capital opportunities, committed to acquire seven manufacturing and development facilities from Recipharm, subject to regulatory clearances. The facilities in question are Solna, Stängnäs, Höganäs, Karlskoga and Uppsala OTC Development in Sweden, Pessac in France, and Parets in Spain.

They have been part of Recipharm for over a decade and have focused on the manufacturing and development of oral solid, semi-solid and liquid dosage form pharmaceutical products. The facilities serve over 120 customers around the world and have a strong track record of quality and regulatory compliance.

In addition, Blue Wolf has also agreed, subject to regulatory clearances, to acquire Synerlab, a CDMO headquartered in Strasbourg, France, with six operating facilities in France and Spain. Synerlab has expertise in manufacturing and development across multiple dosage forms, in addition to niche technical processes such as freeze drying and liquid sterile finished dosage forms.

The two transactions mark a significant step forward in helping advance Blue Wolf's goal of building an industry-leading CDMO. Together, these sites are to form a new independent CDMO platform with continued focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing, operating under a new corporate name : Meribel Pharma Solutions.

Meribel Pharma Solutions is headed up by an experienced team including CEO, Bruce Vielle, formerly President, CEO of Synerlab, and COO, Steve Leonard, who joins the firm from Integra Life Sciences where he was Corporate VP, Global Operations & Supply Chain. Prior to that, he was SVP, Head of Global Operations at Catalent.

Built on a strong legacy of expertise in oral solid dose (OSD) manufacturing, semi-solid dosage formulations, and sterile drug products, the firm has established centers of excellence in drug development, lyophilisation, preservative-free multidose technologies, and flexible stick-pack and sachet production. From concept to commercialisation, Meribel Pharma Solutions can deliver niche technical expertise at every stage of the drug development journey.

Meribel Pharma Solutions CEO, Bruce Vielle said: "There is a gap in the market for a niche-player, mid-sized CDMO that's focused, agile, and dedicated to solving complex challenges, and we are well positioned to fulfill this unmet need.

"We have invested heavily in the latest technologies and expanded our capacity to meet the evolving needs of our customers. As a unified organisation, our foundations are built on quality and reliability. We bring together greater resources, deeper expertise, and enhanced agility, enabling us to meet our customers' requirements better than ever before.

"We're deeply committed to delivering the highest quality in everything we do. Our regulatory and quality experts work with our clients to help ensure their products exceed the most stringent standards. With certified sites and a shared focus on continuous improvement, we are set up to deliver exceptional results."

The name Meribel Pharma Solutions is inspired by the Meribel mountain range in the Alps. Located in the Three Valleys in France, the name symbolises the firm bringing together manufacturing excellence from across three countries, France, Spain and Sweden. It is also a nod to the firm's commitment to helping customers navigate complex challenges and reach new heights in drug development and manufacturing.