
Charles River Acquires Explora BioLabs
Charles River Laboratories, a US specialist provider of laboratory, gene and cell therapy services, has acquired Explora BioLabs for approximately $295 million in cash.
Charles River Laboratories, a US specialist provider of laboratory, gene and cell therapy services, has acquired Explora BioLabs for approximately $295 million in cash.
US-based Charles River Laboratories International on Oct. 12 completed the divestment of its gene therapy CDMO site in Sweden and its research models and services operations in Japan. The site in Matfors, Sweden, was sold to an unnamed private investor group for about $52 million cash, with potential contingent payments of up to an additional $25 million, subject to certain adjustments.
US CDMO Charles River Laboratories has entered into an agreement to buy Vigene Biosciences, a compatriot gene therapy CDMO specializing in viral vectors. The acquisition is expected to close at the beginning of the third quarter of 2021. The purchase price is likely to be $292.5 million in cash, but the transaction also includes contingent additional payments of up to $57.5 million based on future performance.
Charles River Laboratories has agreed to buy Cognate BioServices, a cell and gene therapy CDMO, for about $875 million. The purchase is expected to close by the end of March, subject to customary conditions and regulatory clearance.