Gujarat Themis Biosyn to Acquire Japanese Biotech Firm MicroBiopharm for Rs 1,300 Crore
New Delhi: Gujarat Themis Biosyn Limited (GTBL) has announced the acquisition of 100 per cent equity shareholding in Japan-based MicroBiopharm Japan Co., Ltd. (MBJ) as part of its strategy to strengthen its fermentation and biotechnology-focused CDMO business platform globally.
The acquisition will be carried out through Themis Biosyn Japan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary to be incorporated in Japan. GTBL stated that it has signed a definitive agreement for acquisition of MBJ from funds managed or advised by T Capital Partners Co., Ltd., a Japan-based private equity firm.
The transaction is expected to close during Q2 FY27 subject to customary approvals and completion formalities. The total consideration for the acquisition is approximately JPY 21.5 billion, equivalent to nearly Rs 1,300 crore, payable at closing. The company said the transaction would be funded through a combination of debt and equity and is expected to be EPS accretive.
GTBL stated that the acquisition marks a significant milestone in its long-term strategy to transform from a fermentation-led intermediates business into a technology-driven Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) platform with capabilities spanning precision fermentation, biotechnology and advanced drug manufacturing.
MicroBiopharm Japan has more than six decades of experience in microbial fermentation, pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing of specialty chemicals. The company reported estimated revenue of JPY 9.5 billion, approximately Rs 570 crore, for FY26E.
According to the release, MBJ operates a diversified platform covering proprietary pharmaceuticals and CDMO services. Its proprietary pharmaceutical portfolio includes oncology drugs, immunosuppressants, antibiotics and peptides. The company also offers end-to-end CDMO services across small molecules and biologics, including recombinant proteins.
GTBL said the acquisition would provide access to MBJ’s proprietary technologies including P450 enzyme library, plasmid DNA technology, ADC conjugation technology and strain and process optimization technologies.
The company further stated that MBJ’s long-standing relationships with Japanese and international pharmaceutical companies, along with its globally diversified platform, would help expand GTBL’s international footprint. Proprietary pharmaceuticals and non-pharma products contribute more than 47 per cent of MBJ’s total FY26E revenue, while nearly 40 per cent revenue comes from overseas markets outside Japan.
GTBL also highlighted that two of MBJ’s three manufacturing facilities in Japan have undergone audits by the USFDA and Japan PMDA, providing regulatory access to global regulated markets.
Commenting on the development, Managing Director Dr Sachin Patel said the acquisition represents a strategic step in GTBL’s transition toward a next-generation discovery-led CDMO platform. He said integration of MBJ’s biotechnology and fermentation capabilities with GTBL’s manufacturing strengths would help create a globally competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing and services business focused on long-term growth and value creation.
Dr Patel further stated that GTBL would continue to strengthen MBJ’s existing capabilities, leadership team and workforce while jointly expanding future growth opportunities.
GTBL is engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of fermentation-based pharmaceutical intermediates and APIs in India, while MBJ focuses on APIs, intermediates, microbial fermentation and biotechnology-based manufacturing services in Japan.
