Lonza Group stock slips 1.62% as Merck deal awaits closing
Published on 11/09/2026 at 18:12 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSDeal expands US manufacturing reach
- The acquisition would lift Lonza's US CDMO site count from four to nine.
- The acquired sites are expected to generate around CHF 250 million in 2028 at an initially lower CORE EBITDA margin.
- Lonza kept its 2026 financial outlook and Organic Growth Model unchanged.
Lonza Group agreed on November 3, 2026, to acquire five US contract development and manufacturing organization sites from Merck KGaA. The company's ad hoc announcement said the transaction would more than double Lonza's US CDMO footprint and add approximately 1,100 employees.
What changed since the last report
Lonza Group stock traded at 718.70 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 18:07 CET on Monday, November 9, 2026, 1.62 percent below the 730.50 euros quoted in our report at 12:39 CET the same day.
The agreement covers sites in St. Louis, Missouri; Madison and Verona, Wisconsin; Carlsbad, California; and Indianapolis, Indiana. Their capabilities include bioconjugates, high-potency payload-linkers, viral vectors, lipid nanoparticles, liposomes and PEGylated proteins.
Revenue contribution builds gradually
Lonza expects the acquired operations to generate around CHF 250 million in sales in full-year 2028. Their CORE EBITDA margin is expected to remain below the group level initially, with an insignificant impact on the overall company. Lonza expects the operations to reach its future group margin level by the mid-2030s.
The businesses will continue to operate independently until closing, which is expected in mid-2027 subject to customary conditions. Lonza plans to fund the purchase with cash on hand and existing credit facilities while maintaining its BBB+ rating. The company said the transaction does not change its 2026 financial outlook or Organic Growth Model.
Lonza Group AG at a glance
- Company: Lonza Group AG
- ISIN: CH0013841017
- Home exchange: SIX Swiss Exchange
- Lang & Schwarz quote: 718.70 euros at 18:07 CET on November 9, 2026
- Transaction: Acquisition of five Merck KGaA US CDMO sites
- Expected closing: Mid-2027
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