Fresenius Divests Norwegian Plant To Prange

Fresenius Kabi has completed a deal to divest its sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Halden, Norway, to Prange Group, with the buyer having taken over the facility “with equipment and full staff,” alongside a commitment to continue manufacturing Fresenius Kabi’s products. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

“In line with Fresenius Kabi’s Vision 2026 strategy, the company announced in May the intention to divest its plant in Halden, Norway,” Fresenius noted, having subsequently agreed the deal with Prange in November, crediting the firm for its “proven expertise as a B2B contract developer and manufacturer for pharmaceuticals.”

“I’m pleased that we have been able to conclude this process and that the Prange Group will now be able to develop the plant and act on their credible and solid business plan,” commented Hans-Christian Meyer, head of operations management pharma at Fresenius Kabi.

“As communicated in November last year, Fresenius Kabi’s Norwegian Market Unit is not affected by the transaction,” the German firm underlined. “Fresenius Kabi remains strongly committed to the Norwegian market as it has been since 1999 with the focus on providing high quality products to critically and chronically ill patients.”

Prange Group and its Adragos Pharma affiliate will operate as a contract manufacturing organization for Fresenius Kabi.

A representative for the buyer said the acquisition “marks a major milestone for both Prange Group and Adragos Pharma on the road to explanding their global presence and adding significant capacity for sterile liquid manufacturing,” billing the facility as “one of Northern Europe’s largest production sites.”

Citing “considerable new opportunities for growth,” Prange pointed out that the site’s “state-of-the-art capabilities include the production of sterile liquids, as IV bags, blow-fill-seal technology for ampoules and vials but also compounding activities for the local market.”

“The site was not only a cornerstone of Fresenius Kabi’s manufacturing capabilities in the Nordics, but has already catered to other large pharma customers as a contract manufacturer supplying over 70 countries worldwide,” Prange added.

Chairman and owner Otto Prange said “we appreciate Fresenius Kabi for trusting in our group as being the right partner for building the future of the Halden site. Together with the experienced Halden team, we will introduce new customers who can rely as well as Fresenius and the other big pharma customers on our full commitment for reliable, global supply.”

Adragos Pharma CEO Andreas Raabe added that “in joining forces with Prange Group, we’re strategically advancing towards a shared commitment to deliver quality and reliability on a global scale, benefitting both customers and patients. This acquisition is set to unlock new potential, amplifying the site’s capabilities, and showcasing the remarkable expertise of its dedicated workforce. Through the acquisition, we aim to foster growth and innovation.”