Permira to buy Lyophilization Services of New England

Private equity fund Permira has announced its intention to buy freeze drying firm Lyophilization Services of New England Inc (LSNE) 

The deal – which is expected to close before the end of June – will include two facilities in Bedford and one in Manchester, New Hampshire at which LSNE provides a range of fill/finish and lyophilisation services to drug and biopharmaceutical developers.

UK-based Permira said it plans to increase capacity and extend LSNE’s capabilities in manufacturing and development services, also hinting that it will pursue bolt on acquisitions.

Expansion would be in keeping with plans LSNE outlined in 2015 after its Commerce Drive facility in Bedford passed a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection.

At the time LSNE said the "master plan includes expansion of QC analytical testing capabilities, ICH stability chambers, additional complex formulation capabilities, as well as adding increased manufacturing capacity."

Permira did not respond to a request for comment.