Acquisition of VWR successfully completed by Avantor

Avantor, a global supplier of ultra-high purity materials for the life sciences and advanced technology industries, has completed its acquisition of VWR, which provides product, supply chain and service solutions to laboratory and production customers.

“The completion of this acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our combined organization,” said Michael Stubblefield, chief executive officer of Avantor — who will lead the combined company. “The new Avantor is a leading global provider of discovery-to-delivery solutions that offer more value to customers along with an additional layer of supply chain security.

“With enhanced scale and favourable long-term industry dynamics, we are well positioned to accelerate growth, benefiting from deeper access to the high-growth biopharma, industrial, and applied research sectors. Together we have increased reach and direct channel access, customised logistics and product requirements, and a strong local presence in both developed and emerging markets. Just as important, the combined company will create new opportunities for our stakeholders, including our employees, customers and the industries in which we operate.”

The companies will be combined and will operate under the corporate name Avantor, with VWR name remaining in place as one of the company’s selling channels. Customers will still be able to order from VWR’s website.

Stubblefield continued: “We are pleased with the significant progress that our cross-functional teams have made through the integration planning process. We intend to successfully combine the best attributes of our operational models, harmonize processes and expand our product and service solutions to best serve our customers. These efforts will create a foundation for success well into the future.”

“By executing on our business plan and growth strategy, VWR built a truly differentiated company, with broad global distribution capabilities and a breadth of essential products, services and technology offerings for laboratory and production customers around the world,” commented Manuel Brocke-Benz, former chief executive officer of VWR. “I have every confidence that combining VWR with Avantor’s expertise in high-purity materials will enable the new organization to even better meet our global customers’ evolving needs.”