Anjac Health & Beauty has announced a new acquisition, in line with its strategy of geographic growth and product portfolio diversification.

The French-based has taken over Pillar5 Pharma, a Canadian contract development manufacturing organisation (CDMO) specializing in the production of sterile ophthalmic solutions and niche solid dose manufacturing (tablets, capsules etc.).

The operation reinforces Anjac’s expansion in North America, following its acquisition of Apollo Healthcare in January and of Cosmetix West in 2019.

Sterile ophthalmic solutions

Pillar5, a Canadian company, is one of the main North American CDMOs for the production of sterile ophthalmic solutions and solid dose manufacturing (tablets, capsules, etc.). Moreover, it is the first CDMO to offer multi-dose preservative free capabilities on the North American market. This innovative technology is particularly interesting for Anjac, which notably perceives multiple synergies, both in the fields of health and beauty.

Based in Arnprior, Ontario, Pillar5 offers a full line of services ranging from formulation, product manufacturing and custom packaging to providing technical services. Pillar5 has built a diversified portfolio of loyal clients, working with major pharmaceutical laboratories as well as specialists in ophthalmological care. The company has 150 employees, and a turnover of CAD 50 million.

Turnover doubled in 3 years

Anjac’s agreement with Pillar5 marks its ninth acquisition in five years, which will bring its global turnover close to 650 million euros. The group’s turnover will have doubled in the space of three years. The group now includes 14 specialized companies, with 22 R&D and manufacturing sites.

Each new acquisition represents an opportunity for ANJAC to expand its services in specific domains and benefit from their complementarities.

We’re very pleased with this strategic acquisition. It will foster our growth in a new key sector, the ophthalmology market, specifically through sterile, multi-dose preservative free ophthalmic solutions, an innovation with high added value,” says Aurélien Chaufour, President of Anjac.