YMC M&A: Lewa addition brings bioprocess tech and US market

Japanese separations resins firm YMC will buy the bioprocessing business of Lewa-Nikkiso America. The “friendly acquisition” includes a facility in Devens, Massachusetts.

Privately-held Kyoto, Tokyo-based YMC will add a number of bioprocessing technologies through the acquisition, including staff and assets dedicated to the development, manufacture and sales of batch and continuous chromatography equipment, and buffer dilution systems for the biopharmaceutical market. Financial details have not been divulged.

Gerard Gach, chief marketing officer at Lewa- Nikkiso America, told BioProcess Insider Lewa’s bioprocessing products will have a strengthened global channel through YMC’s established presence and separations’ expertise.

“There is a natural synergy existing between the Lewa Bioprocessing Platform and the YMC suite of chromatography resins, columns, services and systems,” he told us. This includes the geographical strength of Lewa in North America and Europe, which he said compliments the nearly 40 year history of YMC in Asia.

“But importantly, where LEWA was strongest in bioprocessing with a growing offering in small molecule purifications systems, YMC’s heritage is in small molecule purification technology with a recently growing bioprocessing segment, providing an immediate synergy that YMC can leverage to customers’ advantage.”

YMC will not be acquiring Lewa’s bioprocessing pump business, though has struck a long-term strategic supply deal with the firm.

Devens facility

The deal brings YMC a facility in Devens, Massachusetts and according to Gach YMC’s desire is to retain all employees directly associated with the plant. “There are no planned reduction in staff, and in fact it is likely this transaction will result in additional hires.”

Additionally, current customer contracts will not be affected.

“The transition should be seamless for the customer as all production staff and facilities will remain 100% intact. This is a friendly acquisition and LEWA has committed to remain productively engaged during the closing period and offering support as needed after,” he told us.

“The business contacts, supply chain, pricing practices and support services will remain as is. This is an additive acquisition with little or no back office changes planned – except to bring more products and services to present customers.”