Thermo Fisher to Acquire PPD for $17.4 Billion

Thermo Fisher Scientific announced on April 15, 2021 that it has acquired PPD, a clinical research services provider, for $17.4 billion.

The acquisition, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, will give Thermo Fisher access to PPD’s drug development platform, patient recruitment capabilities, and laboratory services, Thermo Fisher said in a company press release. The collaboration is expected to offer new solutions for customers, while reducing the time and cost of the drug development process.

"Pharma and biotech is our largest and fastest growing end market, and our customers value us as a strategic partner and an industry leader. The acquisition of PPD is a natural extension for Thermo Fisher and will enable us to provide these customers with important clinical research services and partner with them in new and exciting ways as they move a scientific idea to an approved medicine quickly, reliably, and cost effectively," said Marc N. Casper, chairman, president, and CEO, Thermo Fisher Scientific, in the press release. "Longer term, we plan to continue to invest in and connect the capabilities across the combined company to further help our customers accelerate innovation and drive productivity, while driving further value for our shareholders."

"This is a very exciting announcement for our shareholders and will provide customers with an even better opportunity to bring meaningful innovation to the market faster and more efficiently,” added David Simmons, chairman and CEO, PPD, in the press release. “Thermo Fisher is a world-class company with a very similar culture and values and will provide a great foundation for our colleagues to continue to deliver for our customers and to develop their own skills and careers."

Source: Thermo Fisher