The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 but remains subject to the fulfillment of some customary and legal conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.

Qualicaps, part of Mitsubishi Chemical, is headquartered in Nara, Japan, and is the third largest producer of hard capsules for oral dosage solutions. The company has 1,400 employees located in sites in Asia, Europe and the Americas, and its client base includes major pharmaceutical and food companies around the world.

Roquette commented that this strategic investment offers the ability to expand the global footprint of its pharmaceutical business, as well as enrich its offerings of oral dosage solutions.

The newly combined businesses will offer the most diverse range of oral dosage solutions to existing and new customers, said Roquette.

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.”