De Agostini S.p.A. will acquire Content Group to continue the company's strong growth path, already started by Aksìa, which realizes the fourth divestment of the fund “Aksìa Capital IV” (AKIV).
De Agostini completes its first investment in the pharmaceutical sector and aims to support the management team in the company's further expansion phase.
Milan-Novara, September 9, 2024 – Aksìa, the management company of the Aksìa Capital IV fund, the majority shareholder of Content Group, and De Agostini S.p.A., the industrial and financial holding company controlled by the Boroli and Drago families, announce the signing of a binding agreement for the acquisition of 100% of Content Group.
The transaction will be finalized after obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.
About Content Group
Content Group is an Italian pharmaceutical CDMO, a European leader in the development and contract manufacturing of medical devices and pharmaceutical products in the ophthalmic and inhalation segments. The group consists of two legal entities: COC Farmaceutici, founded in 1990, and Tubilux Pharma, a historical company with over 80 years of activity.
Content Group's business model extends from pharmaceutical and medical devices research & development services to manufacturing and packaging activities, meeting the needs of both large multinationals and specialized players in niche markets.
With 3 production plants located in Rovereto sul Secchia (MO), Sant'Agata (BO), and Pomezia (RM), Content expects sales of over 100 million Euros in 2024, with an export share exceeding 50%.
Growth and Strategic Development
The excellent results achieved by Content Group are the outcome of an ambitious growth strategy, pursued by Aksìa since its entry in 2016. The AKIV fund took over COC Farmaceutici and Lameplast, strengthening management and achieving significant growth both organically and through acquisitions.
With De Agostini's acquisition, the group is expected to continue its leadership in the pharmaceutical sector and accelerate its international development.
Statements
Nicola Emanuele, Founding Partner of Aksìa, said: “We are deeply proud to have supported Content Group in this important growth path. The future of this solid group looks bright, thanks to the leadership position we have achieved together.”
Marco Sala, CEO of De Agostini, commented: “The acquisition of Content Group is consistent with De Agostini's strategy, focusing on Italian industrial companies with a strong international vocation and growth potential. Our ambition is to strengthen Content Group's leadership position and accelerate its international development.”
Advisors
Aksìa and Content Group have been assisted by:
- Houlihan Lokey for M&A advisory
- Giliberti Triscornia and Associates for legal due diligence
- LEK for commercial due diligence
- PwC for accounting due diligence
- RDRA Legal and Tax Firm for tax assistance
De Agostini has been assisted by:
- Gianni & Origoni Law Firm for contracting and legal due diligence
- OC&C for commercial due diligence
- KPMG for financial and tax due diligence
- ERM for environmental due diligence
- Pharma D&S for regulatory and compliance due diligence
About De Agostini
De Agostini is a family-owned industrial and financial holding company heading a global and diversified group with leading brands in various fields including publishing, media, gaming, and asset management.
About Aksìa
Aksìa is a private equity fund management company that invests primarily in medium-sized Italian companies, fostering their growth and international development.
About Content Group
Content Group is a CDMO in the pharmaceutical sector specializing in the development and contract manufacturing of drugs, medical devices, and liquid cosmetics.
Press Contacts
Press Office – Aksìa:
- Adriana Liguori, adriana.liguori@closetomedia.it | +39 345.1778974
- Paolo Ferrario, paolo.ferrario@closetomedia.it | +39 337.1064754
Press Office – De Agostini:
- Elena Dalle Rive, elena.dallerive@deagostini.com | +39 335 7835912