Roquette acquires hard capsule producer Qualicaps to expand global excipient presence

28 Jul 2023 --- Global plant-based ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients company Roquette has acquired Japanese outfit Qualicaps, the third largest producer of hard capsules for oral dosage solutions, to strategically assert its position as a major supplier to the pharmaceutical industry.

The acquisition will be finalized in Q4 of 2023. The closing remains subject to several legal conditions and stipulations. Until then, Qualicaps will be owned and managed by the Mitsubishi Chemical Group.

“Qualicaps’ strong position in hard capsules will represent a significant addition to our excipients’ portfolio and will enable our company to offer more solutions responding to the demands of patients who are looking for better treatments,” says Pierre Courduroux, CEO of Roquette. 

Capped at pharma growth path
The acquisition falls into the strategic growth plan of Qualicaps to pursue growth opportunities in the pharmaceuticals sector. The company has a strong innovation pipeline spanning various sites in Asia, Europe and the Americas.Roquette will harness Qualicaps’ capacities in manufacturing hard capsules for pharmaceuticals.  

With a turnover of €5 billion (US$5.5 billion), the investment allows Roquette to grow its pharmaceutical portfolio while drawing on its expertise in developing pharmaceutical excipients with the added benefit of Qualicaps’ assets and infrastructure in hard capsule manufacturing.

The combined businesses will produce diverse oral dosage solutions and anticipate future offerings.

Capacity reboot
In June, Roquette unveiled a €4.5 million (US$4.96 million) innovation center in Lestrem, France, geared toward fostering food innovation and accelerating the launch of novel products. The facility has modern capacities for high-moisture extrusion, an ultra-high temperature line with direct steam injection for dairy and beverage applications and a tableting press simulator.

In May this year, Roquette developed a mannitol and maize starch blended supplement, Pearlitol ProTec, with proven shelf life stability. The supplement has been described as versatile and “safe, effective and stable.”

Edited by Inga de Jong