Contract research firm GVK Biosciences Pvt Ltd, which operates under the GVK BIO brand, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Vanta Bioscience for an undisclosed amount, as per a press release.
US-headquartered Vanta has its main operations through research unit in Chennai. It is a full service pre-clinical GLP toxicology and safety assessment contract research company, offering toxicology evaluation services for the pharmaceutical, biotech, food supplements and feed additives industries.
It also offers toxicology services using alternative methods for the cosmetics industry.
“Vanta Bioscience team is pleased that the world-class research GLP and AAALAC accredited organisation will continue under the direction of GVK BIO. We are delighted to transition into an organisation that can expand our offerings and provide further opportunities to our clients and staff,” said Gerard Schwickerath, vice-president and general manager, Vanta Bioscience.
Manni Kantipudi, CEO, GVK BIO, said: “The acquisition is in line with our business strategy of being an integrated drug discovery services provider for our customers. We are constantly investing in upgrading our capabilities to provide world-class R&D services. Vanta Bioscience further advances our position as we expand our service offering in GLP toxicology.”
In July this year, GVK completed the acquisition of Inogent Laboratories by acquiring remaining 6.12 per cent stake in the company for Rs 8.9 crore. Last September GVK Biosciences had acquired around 10 per cent more in Inogent from Dai-ichi Karkaria for Rs 8.5 crore.
Earlier this year GVK Bio has signed an agreement to acquire Aragen Bioscience, a US-based privately held pre-clinical CRO specialising in biologics services, for an undisclosed amount.
GVK BIO is a partnership between the GVK Group and DS Brar, former chief of Ranbaxy who led the pharma giant through its big growth and overseas expansion phase before quitting the firm to join GVK BIO as its promoter chairman in 2004.
GVK Group is one of India’s largest infrastructure developers, with wide experience and expertise spanning areas such as energy, resources, airports, transportation, hospitality and life-sciences.
(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)
