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The pharmaceutical contract manufacturing industry in Europe is pivotal for producing drugs and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapies that enhance health outcomes. Companies in this sector range from large multinationals to specialized firms, offering services like active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, formulation, and packaging. Increasing demand for innovation, particularly in biotechnology and personalized medicine, is steering Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry toward new technological solutions. Additionally, regulatory considerations and a growing emphasis on sustainability are influencing production practices. As European nations prioritize healthcare advancements, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ collaboration between manufacturers and pharmaceutical firms will only intensify, ensuring a robust future for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

This list features a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity investors located in cities like Basel, Brussels, and Paris. Ranging from large companies such as Sanofi and Novartis, which employ over 10,000 people, to smaller venture-focused funds, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors showcase a total of over 330 transactions in 2024. Established between 1945 and 1999, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se firms represent a significant force in fostering pharmaceutical innovations and providing financial support for manufacturing advancements across Europe.

Top 12 Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Investors in Europe

1. Novo Holdings

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn:

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ assets of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Novo Nordisk Foundation and focuses on investing in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. In recent years, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical contract manufacturing space, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Catalent Pharma Solutions for $16.5 billion, which includes a secondary sale of manufacturing sites to Novo Nordisk for producing GLP-1 drugs. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired The Ritedose Corporation, a sterile pharmaceutical manufacturer, to bolster its capabilities in bringing life-saving drugs to market. These strategic moves highlight Novo Holdings' commitment to enhancing pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ life sciences sector.

2. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical contract manufacturing industry. For instance, it awarded £2M to Exactmer through its Transition programme to fund research in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ synÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨sis and manufacture of oligonucleotide Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutics, highlighting its commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has supported companies like Cellevate with seed financing to accelerate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir global commercial launch, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical sector.

3. Sofinnova Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Sofinnova Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1972, specializing in life sciences investments. With a focus on innovative healthcare startups, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y provide funding and strategic guidance primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ biopharma and medtech sectors. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir participation in funding rounds for CinCor Pharma, which raised significant capital to advance its product candidate for hypertension through clinical trials. Their investments in companies like Ablynx, which has developed a unique Nanobody platform, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering scientific advancements in healthcare. Although Sofinnova Partners does not exclusively target pharmaceutical contract manufacturing, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in biopharma companies suggest a potential interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ broader pharmaceutical ecosystem, including contract manufacturing services.

4. HBM Healthcare Investments AG

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

HBM Healthcare Investments AG is a venture capital firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ healthcare sector, managing a diversified portfolio that includes investments in human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. Notably, HBM has participated in several significant transactions, including investments in SAI Life Sciences, a company that raised $2.7 million in a venture round, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in pharmaceutical contract manufacturing. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Swixx Biopharma, which has secured substantial funding rounds, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ healthcare market. HBM Healthcare Investments serves investors seeking growth opportunities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical contract manufacturing industry.

5. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, EIB was involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing diverse initiatives. Among its notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical sector, EIB provided â‚�75 million to CureVac for its infectious disease vaccine programs, including its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, highlighting its support for critical health initiatives. Additionally, EIB has financed Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, which raised over $14 million, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical contract manufacturing space. These transactions reflect EIB's commitment to promoting growth and job creation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical industry, making it a relevant investor in this field.

6. Forbion

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Naarden, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn:

Forbion is a venture capital firm founded in 2006, located in Naarden, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. The firm specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ life sciences and bioeconomy sectors, providing investment management and support to biotech companies. Forbion collaborates with entrepreneurs and academic institutions to address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes. Notable transactions include leading a $245M Series A funding round for Aiolos Bio, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapies for asthma, and participating in a $120M Series B round for Pheon Therapeutics, which is also involved in drug development. These investments indicate Forbion's active role in supporting companies that may require pharmaceutical contract manufacturing services as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y advance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir product pipelines.

7. Novartis

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Novartis AG, founded in 1996 and based in Basel, Switzerland, is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and manufacturing innovative medicines that address serious diseases. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Novartis emphasizes research and development to enhance patient outcomes across various Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutic areas. Notably, Novartis has been involved in significant transactions, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European generics business of BASF Pharma for 115 million euros in 2000, which expanded Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir manufacturing capabilities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ generics market. This strategic move highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to pharmaceutical manufacturing and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry. Additionally, Novartis has participated in various funding rounds for companies like Rani Therapeutics, which focuses on innovative drug delivery systems, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.

8. Scottish Enterprise

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn:

Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. It provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a size of 1001-5000 employees, it plays a crucial role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. In recent years, Scottish Enterprise has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical sector, particularly in contract manufacturing. Notably, it awarded research and development funding of up to £20 million to Valneva, which includes grants specifically aimed at supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ manufacturing processes for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Covid-19 vaccine candidate, VLA2001, as well as oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r vaccines. This investment highlights Scottish Enterprise's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in funding rounds for companies like ProFactor Pharma furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in supporting pharmaceutical development and manufacturing processes.

9. Andera Partners

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1953
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

Andera Partners is a private equity firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1953. The firm specializes in investment management and focuses on providing financial support and strategic guidance to companies across various sectors, including life sciences and infrastructure. In recent years, Andera Partners has been involved in several significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds for ReViral, a biotech firm focused on developing antiviral Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapies, raising substantial amounts in Series A, B, and C financing. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Tubulis, which raised over $139 million in Series B funding in 2024. These transactions highlight Andera Partners' commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ life sciences sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical contract manufacturing landscape.

10. Sanofi

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1973
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 17
• LinkedIn:

Sanofi is a corporate investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1973. As a leading pharmaceutical company, Sanofi specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of medications and vaccines across various Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutic areas, including oncology and diabetes. In 2024, Sanofi was involved in 17 investments, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ healthcare sector. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a 66% stake in Dubai-based Globalpharma in 2014, aiming to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir production capacity for generic drugs in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Middle East. This acquisition allows Sanofi to manage Globalpharma and manufacture branded generic drugs, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to pharmaceutical contract manufacturing. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir recent transaction with EuroAPI, which raised over $825 million in post-IPO debt, indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing investment in companies that are integral to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical supply chain, particularly in active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing.

11. Gilde Healthcare

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 12
• LinkedIn:

Gilde Healthcare is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1982. It manages over â‚�2.6 billion across two fund strategies: Venture & Growth and Private Equity. The firm focuses on innovative healthtech and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutics companies, as well as profitable lower mid-market healthcare providers in Europe. Notable transactions include investments in Evotec, a company known for its drug development services, and Ablynx, which specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapeutic proteins. These investments highlight Gilde Healthcare's engagement with companies that may intersect with pharmaceutical contract manufacturing, as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development and commercialization of new drugs and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rapies.

12. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, focusing on sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Alpharma's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients business for approximately US$395 million in 2008, which specializes in injectable generics. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired betapharm Arzneimittel GmbH in 2003, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. These transactions highlight 3i Group's commitment to investing in companies that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical contract manufacturing landscape.

Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Hellerup, Denmark	51-200	1999	45
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1972	25
	Zug, Zug, Switzerland	1001-5000	2001	8
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Naarden, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2006	23
	Basel, Basel, Switzerland	10001+	1996	7
	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1991	55
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1953	10
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1973	17
	Utrecht, Utrecht, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	51-200	1982	12
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3

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