CVC Strategic Opportunities II today signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Genetic Group (“Genetic”), a leading pharma CDMO business which focuses on the development and supply of products into the respiratory, ophthalmic and oncology therapeutic areas. CVC funds will be investing in partnership with the family of the founder of Genetic, Rocco Pavese, who will remain as CEO of the business and will lead the R&D initiatives.

Headquartered in Fisciano, Italy, Genetic is an integrated pharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, manufacturing, licensing and promotion of pharmaceutical specialties and medical devices. Its primarily expertise is in the development of respiratory and ophthalmology products which are delivered via unit-dose Blow-Fill-Seal technology, pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers, nasal sprays, and eye drop/collyrium technologies. Genetic’s products are commercialised by a network of blue chip pharma partners internationally as well as by its own distribution arm (Max Farma) in Italy, often under well-recognised local brand names. The company has sales in Italy and more than 20 countries globally, with over 50 marketed products.

Rocco Pavese, CEO and Founder of Genetic, and Francesca Pavese, Head of Business Development, said: “We are excited and proud to be partnering with CVC and look forward to working with them on a new chapter of organic and inorganic growth for our business, which will project the Genetic group into a new international dimension of technological innovation and value creation for the benefit of patients around the globe, safeguarding and developing, at the same time, employment in our country. We believe that CVC’s international network, experience and track record in Italy and in Healthcare, as well as the alignment of the Strategic Opportunities fund as a partner to families like ours, will help us deliver on these growth aspirations.”

Michael Lavrysen, Senior Managing Director of CVC Strategic Opportunities added: “The Strategic Opportunities platform invests in high-quality businesses with longer growth horizons, and the investment in Genetic fits perfectly within this strategy, especially with the partnership with the Pavese family. We look forward to supporting collaboration between Genetic and our existing portfolio company DFE Pharma, and leveraging CVC’s broader global network.”

Giorgio De Palma, Senior Managing Director of CVC Italy said: “We believe that Genetic has an excellent position in the respiratory and ophthalmology pharmaceutical markets and has strong growth opportunities in Italy and abroad. We look forward to working with the Pavese family to achieve our common vision of the future.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Genetic was advised by UBS, EY, LED Taxand and NCTM whilst CVC Strategic Opportunities was advised by Rothschild & Co, EY Parthenon, EY, BCG, Gattai Minoli Agostinelli & Partners and Facchini Rossi Michelutti.