Sartorius acquires filtration expert WaterSep BioSeparations

Transaction provides a complementary fit with Sartorius’ separation portfolio, adding innovative crossflow filtration units for easy-to-use bioprocessing devices
Technology is especially suited to gene and cell therapy applications, vaccine production and intensified bioprocessing

The life science company Sartorius today acquired U.S.‑based purification expert WaterSep BioSeparations LLC through its subgroup Sartorius Stedim Biotech. WaterSep BioSeparations develops, manufactures and markets hollow‑fiber membrane devices and pre-sterilized assemblies for upstream and downstream biopharmaceutical applications. The privately-owned company based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA, employs around 15 people and is expected to earn revenue of approximately 2.5 million U.S. dollars in 2020 at strong growth rates and a substantial double-digit EBITDA margin. The parties agreed on a purchase price of approximately 27 million U.S. dollars plus an earn‑out component of up to 9 million U.S. dollars, depending on the achievement of defined sales revenue growth by 2023.

“This acquisition nicely complements our current offering for cell and gene therapy applications, cell harvesting and various solutions for intensified bioprocessing,” said Dr. René Fáber, Head of the Sartorius Bioprocess Solutions Division and Executive Board member. “I am pleased to welcome the WaterSep team to Sartorius and look forward to jointly introducing WaterSep BioSeparations innovative solutions to our customers.”

“With Sartorius' strong emphasis on cost- and time-saving bioprocessing, it is the ideal partner to accelerate the adoption of our extensive single-use crossflow product offerings. WaterSep is excited to join the Sartorius team as they continue to lead the transformation of bioprocessing to single use,” said Attila Herczeg, CEO and President of WaterSep BioSeparations.

_{This press release contains forward-looking statements about the future development of the Sartorius Group. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sartorius assumes no liability for updating such statements in light of new information or future events. This is a translation of the original German-language press release. Sartorius shall not assume any liability for the correctness of this translation. The original German press release is the legally binding version.}