Evotec and Aptuit announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Evotec will acquire Aptuit for $300 million. This transaction will strengthen Evotec's position as the leading global player in the external innovation marketplace. As a partner research organization for integrated outsourced drug discovery and development solutions, Aptuit offers highly synergistic scientific expertise across drug discovery, pre-clinical testing and both drug substance and drug product manufacturing to its Biopharma partners. The acquisition will add considerable business opportunities to further accelerate Evotec's long-term strategy to be the industry partner of choice for external innovation.

Combination provides a more comprehensive and efficient offering

Aptuit provides a complete set of integrated early discovery to mid-phase drug development services in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry with a proven track record over many years. As a partner, it is defined by its excellence in science, defined outcomes, highly efficient solutions and accelerated timeframes to progress drugs to clinical testing. Aptuit has approx. 750 employees, mainly scientists, working across three state-of-the-art discovery, development and manufacturing facilities in Europe (Verona, Italy; Basel, Switzerland; and Oxford, United Kingdom). Completing more than 1,000 projects in 2016 (for over 400 customers), Aptuit has a very strong network in small, medium and large Biopharma and a high level of repeat business.

All of Evotec's offerings benefit from extended capabilities

Evotec's drug discovery value proposition today is to offer integrated services up to delivering preclinical development candidates (PDC). The acquisition of Aptuit grows Evotec's business substantially and extends the value chain offering through to Investigational New Drug ("IND") submission and beyond to integrated drug substance and drug product and commercial manufacture. Evotec's business model increasingly relies on the progression of preclinical candidates through to the clinic and beyond. With Aptuit's IND enabling capabilities, especially through the INDiGO platform, Evotec will increasingly control and accelerate the IND submission of its partnered products. The ability to move seamlessly from target to IND and beyond will position Evotec as the true innovation efficiency leader in the market. Furthermore, Aptuit's customer base is highly complementary to that of Evotec. Significant cross-selling opportunities exist between the businesses with the ability to offer Evotec's existing partners preclinical and development services through Aptuit (while adding complementary high-quality capacity in early-stage drug discovery). Aptuit's customers will also benefit from EVT Execute's focus on innovation in drug discovery.

The acquisition also provides the opportunity for EVT Innovate to access additional capacity and industry-proven expertise for its growing portfolio of projects. Aptuit's exceptional team of scientists and managers represents a unique asset for Evotec, with the strong cultural fit between Aptuit and Evotec expected to help achieve a smooth and successful integration into the global footprint of Evotec.

Strong financials

Aptuit has a strong growing financial profile, with reported 2016 revenues of about EUR 88 m, expected 2017 revenues of approx. EUR 100-110 m and an adjusted EBITDA of EUR 11 m for 2016 (EUR/$ fx rate of 1.17). Current growth rates of Aptuit are above the general market growth. Certain central costs that are not required on an ongoing basis will be retained by the seller and wound down. These costs represent approx. EUR 4.5 m and enable Evotec to achieve these synergies from closing and reduce implementation costs and execution risk.

Evotec will pay a total consideration of $ 300 m (approx. EUR 256 m; EUR/$ fx rate of 1.17) in cash for the acquisition of Aptuit from Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe ("WCAS"), a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the technology and healthcare industries. The acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Aptuit Global LLC, Aptuit (Potters Bar) Limited and Aptuit (Switzerland) AG and the funding of all (albeit limited) existing company debt is financed through a mix of existing cash reserves and an additional new EUR 140 m senior debt facility. The acquisition will be accretive to Evotec's revenues and make a significant contribution to Evotec's EBITDA. The transaction furthermore strengthens Evotec's overall strategic plan. The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2017.

Full guidance update will be given upon closure of the transaction, which is expected in Q3 2017.

Dr Werner Lanthaler, Chief Executive Officer of Evotec, said: "Bringing together two major players in the drug discovery industry is a big step forward for Evotec to expand our unique focus in external innovation for Pharma, biotech and foundations. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the employees of Aptuit within the Evotec Group after closing of the transaction."

Dr Mario Polywka, Chief Operating Officer of Evotec, commented: "Our strategy is to continuously increase the value of the Company by expanding our leadership position in high-quality drug discovery and development solutions. The ability to provide a proven IND enabling platform and expertise will benefit our partners and customers in discovery as well as expedite progress of projects into Phase I and II. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to Evotec in what is an exciting time in the Company's strategic growth."

Jonathan Goldman, CEO of Aptuit, added: "I am delighted that Aptuit's unique value proposition of world-class scientists have combined with the Evotec team to create a best-in-class company. The operational management team and I look forward to continuing to offer customers an expanded set of solutions in discovery as part of the Evotec family as well as providing an end-to-end solution in candidate to IND (INDiGO) and Phase I to commercial integrated CMC needs. Our customers and staff can be reassured by the continuity of leadership and commitment by Evotec to invest in planned growth."

Henning Steinhagen, President of R & D at Aptuit, stated: "Today's announcement reinforces the value that scientific excellence combined with operational efficiency can provide. Our team is very excited to offer an even broader range of end-to-end solutions of the highest quality as part of Evotec. We look forward to continued success of customer projects and execution of our growth plan."

Brian Regan, General Partner at WCAS and Aptuit Board member, added: "WCAS is incredibly proud of its long partnership with Aptuit in building a preeminent service provider to leading Biopharma organisations. The company's outstanding science and integrated approach to drug discovery and development have contributed to numerous medical advances, including life-saving pharmaceuticals used by patients globally. We are deeply indebted to Jonathan, the Aptuit leadership team and all the employees for their dedication and hard work building a truly unique Partner Research Organisation. We believe this transaction represents a great outcome for customers, employees and shareholders of both Aptuit and Evotec."