Sep 29, 2020

BioDuro, a global life science research and development organization backed by Advent International (“Advent”), and Sundia, a leading contract research and manufacturing organization, have partnered to create one of the largest CRDMOs (contract research, development and manufacturing organizations) with major operations in China and the US. The combined company will operate as BioDuro-Sundia, providing fully integrated drug discovery, development and manufacturing for both API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) and drug products. Advent led a majority investment in Sundia, with Bridgewest Capital as co-investors. Financial terms were not disclosed. Founded in 2004, Sundia is a well-established pre-clinical contract research and manufacturing organization (“CRMO”), which has built an integrated drug discovery and development platform from synthetic and medicinal chemistry, DMPK and in vitro/in vivo biology, process chemistry, formulation to analytical as well as API/starting material manufacturing of small molecules. Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. CEC Capital Group served as the exclusive financial advisor to Sundia. The Weil team advising Advent was led by Private Equity partner Charles Ching (Picture) and included associates Kenny Yu, Kevin Wang, Benjamin Yao and Carol Jia, and legal consultant Wenyuan Zhao; Tax partner Noah Beck and counsel Gary Silber; Executive Compensation & Benefits partner Amy Rubin and Lauren Sawyer (Not Yet Admitted in New York); Antitrust partner Douglas Nave and counsel Neil Rigby; and International Arbitration & Trade partner Ted Posner.