Funds advised by BC Partners (“BC Partners”) are acquiring the Aenova Group, one of the leading international service providers in the pharmaceuticals and health care industry. A contract to this effect was signed today with the previous majority shareholder Bridgepoint. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction is subject to antitrust clearance.

"As Europe's leading service provider in the development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements for a broad range of customers in the pharmaceuticals and healthcare sector, Aenova is superbly positioned," says Stefan Zuschke, a managing partner at BC Partners. "In addition to continued organic growth, we are also planning further acquisitions to broaden the company's range and to additionally enhance its competitive position in the international markets." He adds that he is particularly pleased that the management team led by CEO Heiner Hoppmann and CFO/CPO Frank Elsen will remain at the company's helm.

"During Bridgepoint's ownership Aenova has been transformed by management into one of Europe's leading contract development and manufacturing organisations making it a key partner for many of Europe's leading blue chip pharmaceutical companies. Aenova is well invested and has strong prospects for further growth" said Michael Davy, a partner at Bridgepoint and Chairman of Aenova.

Says Aenova CEO Heiner Hoppmann: "BC Partners is management's preferred partner as we will be able to continue and expand our proven strategy of customer centricity, quality, innovation and growth."

Bridgepoint first invested in Aenova in 2005.

Advisers for Bridgepoint on this transaction included: PWC (financial and tax), BCG (commercial), Clifford Chance (legal), ERM (environmental), M+W (operational), Marsh (insurance).