Safecor Health to acquire UDL from Viatris to expand pharmaceutical unit-dose solutions

Safecor Health, a leader in pharmaceutical unit-dose repackaging and supply chain solutions, has announced its acquisition of the U.S. unit-dose packaging business of Viatris Inc., formerly known as Unit Dose Laboratories (UDL). This strategic acquisition is set to enhance Safecor Health’s capabilities and strengthen its position in the pharmaceutical packaging market, offering significant benefits to manufacturers, healthcare systems, and wholesalers.

Safecor Health’s CEO Mark Saxon shared that the addition of UDL’s expertise and brand recognition would bolster the company’s ability to deliver innovative packaging and supply chain solutions to its growing customer base. He emphasised that the acquisition would allow Safecor Health to expand its range of unit-dose products while deepening its relationships with key stakeholders, including manufacturers, health systems, and group purchasing organisations.

Unit Dose Laboratories, established in 1980, has a long-standing reputation as a national leader in providing generic unit-dose medicines. Its portfolio includes over 400 products, catering to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and institutional healthcare providers. UDL’s expertise in this niche market aligns with Safecor Health’s mission to provide high-quality, cost-effective pharmaceutical packaging solutions that meet the needs of modern healthcare providers.

Kriss Spors, Head of Site Operations at UDL, stated that joining Safecor Health offers exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration. Spors noted that the transition would ensure that hospitals and healthcare professionals continue to receive essential pharmaceutical products efficiently. The combined expertise of UDL and Safecor Health, she explained, would allow for expanded services to both manufacturers and wholesalers.

The leadership team at UDL, with over 100 years of combined experience in unit-dose packaging, is expected to play a pivotal role in Safecor Health’s future operations. Safecor Health’s Executive Vice Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder Steve Fischbach explained that the acquisition would help drive cost savings for hospital customers by expanding Safecor’s product offerings. Fischbach highlighted that the move aligns with the company’s broader goal of improving healthcare supply chains and reducing costs through collaborative partnerships with manufacturers, wholesalers, and healthcare systems.

Operating from state-of-the-art facilities in Rockford, Illinois, UDL offers a suite of custom packaging solutions, including in-house label design and printing. These capabilities complement Safecor Health’s existing infrastructure, creating a more comprehensive solution for pharmaceutical wholesalers and manufacturers.

The acquisition, expected to close in the first half of 2025, represents a significant step forward in Safecor Health’s growth strategy. The company assured its customers and partners that no immediate changes would occur during the transition period.

This deal is backed by Vesey Street Capital Partners, a private equity firm specialising in healthcare investments. Safecor Health’s expanded portfolio is anticipated to drive substantial benefits across the supply chain, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes.