Roquette to acquire Qualicaps to boost position in pharma industry

Roquette, a  supplier of plant-based ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients, is set to acquire Qualicaps, further reinforcing its position within the pharmaceutical industry. The merger of these two businesses aligns with Roquette’s strategic growth plan, opening up new avenues for both Roquette and Qualicaps’ customers and employees.

Qualicaps, stationed in Nara, Japan, stands as the third largest producer of hard capsules for oral dosage solutions worldwide. The company employs a robust 1,400-strong workforce spread across various sites in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. With a strong client base consisting of major pharmaceutical and food companies globally, Qualicaps holds its ground as a global player, delivering high-quality products backed by a strong innovation pipeline.

Roquette’s strategic investment in Qualicaps will extend the global reach of its pharmaceutical business and enrich its offerings in oral dosage solutions. The merging of Roquette’s extensive expertise in pharmaceutical excipients development with Qualicaps’ mastery in capsules will amplify their respective assets and infrastructure. The combined entity will offer a diverse range of oral dosage solutions to existing and prospective customers, fulfilling current demands and preempting future needs with innovative solutions.

Roquette secures strategic growth with Qualicaps acquisition. Photo courtesy of Roquette Frères.

Qualicaps’ global reach, bolstered by manufacturing and R&D sites in Japan, Spain, Romania, Canada, the USA, and Brazil, positions Roquette to expand its presence and enhance its proximity to customers and markets.

Roquette anticipates the acquisition of Qualicaps to close in Q4 2023, subject to customary and legal conditions. Until the completion of the deal, Qualicaps will remain fully owned and managed by the Mitsubishi Chemical Group.

Pierre Courduroux, CEO of Roquette, said: “Today’s announcement is a significant step in Roquette’s journey to reinforce its position as a key player in Health and Nutrition markets. Qualicaps’ strong position in hard capsules will represent a significant addition to our excipients’ portfolio and will enable our company to offer more solutions responding to the needs of our customers and to the demands of patients who are looking for continuously better treatments.”