Lonza has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its Capsules & Health Ingredients (CHI) business to Lone Star Funds for an enterprise value of $3 billion. Lonza will realize upfront cash proceeds of $2.2 billion and retain a 40% stake in the business, with additional preferential participation in its future exit. Lonza’s proceeds on exit are subject to Lone Star receiving an initial return equal to its equity investment. 

The transaction is the last step to complete Lonza’s strategic portfolio transformation to a pure-play CDMO. Wider portfolio updates include agreements to divest the Personalized Medicines business including the Cocoon Platform to Octane Medical Group, the MODA software platform to the parent company of STARLIMS Corp., and the small molecules micronization site in Monteggio (CH) to Microsize and Schedio Group. 

As a result, Lonza now operates across three complementary and integrated CDMO Business Platforms, referred to as the Lonza Engine, which leverages cutting-edge science, smart technology and lean manufacturing for complex and emerging pharmaceutical modalities.



Wolfgang Wienand, CEO, Lonza commented: “With the sale of CHI and the three other recent divestments, in less than two years we have reshaped our company and activated our vision of One Lonza as a pure-play CDMO. We are now able to laser-focus on where we are strongest and can create most value for our customers, people and shareholders. Following a rigorous process, we are confident that Lone Star brings the necessary capabilities to lead CHI into a good future and create opportunities for the colleagues departing from Lonza.”



In December 2024 the company’s Investor Update stated its One Lonza Strategy to fully focus on high value creation within its CDMO Organic Growth Model of sales growth, while investing in organic growth opportunities and bolt-on acquisitions with attractive return profiles, adding capacities, technologies and expanding its business portfolio in line with the One Lonza Strategy and competitive differentiation driven by the Lonza Engine. 



The transaction is expected to close in 2H26, subject to customary closing conditions.