February 17, 2021 -- Charles River Laboratories has signed a deal to pay about $875 million in cash to acquire cell and gene manufacturer Cognate BioServices.
Cognate offers comprehensive manufacturing solutions for cell therapies, as well as for production of plasmid DNA. The company provides its customers with cell and gene therapy development, testing, and manufacturing services. Cognate offers integrated solutions for the entire drug development lifecycle from basic research and discovery through current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) production.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2021. The acquisition of the Memphis, TN-based manufacturer will establish Charles River as a partner for cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) platforms.