CBC Group Acquires UCB Neurology and Allergy Business, Strengthening Foothold in Chinese Market
Singapore-based CBC Group, a leading regional healthcare asset management firm, has solidified its presence in the burgeoning Chinese pharmaceuticals market. In a strategic move, CBC Group has finalized the acquisition of UCB’s established neurology and allergy business portfolio in China. This $680 million deal, completed in partnership with Mubadala investment Company, positions CBC Group as a major player in the rapidly growing Chinese neurology and allergy treatment market.
The acquisition includes well-known brands such as Keppra, Vimpat, Neupro, Zyrtec, and Xyzal, along with the Zhuhai manufacturing site.
Documents indicate that this strategic addition will become the anchor asset within CBC Group’s focus on building out an integrated Central Nervous System (CNS) biopharma platform in China.
“We see clear potential within this growing CNS therapeutics market to better serve patients with unmet medical needs,” says Fu Wei, CEO of CBC Group. “This acquisition perfectly complements our existing healthcare ecosystem and aligns with our robust investment strategy. We’re committed to driving long-term, sustainable value in the healthcare sector.”
At the heart of the strategies lies a commitment to leverage innovative therapies and cutting-edge research to further enhance patient outcomes and shape the future of neurology care in the region.
This acquisition builds on the strong existing dynamic between CBC Group and Mubadala. The two entities have a proven track record through collaborative investments like contributing to CBC Healthcare Infrastructure Platform’s (HIP) first life science real assets venture. Notably, both companies shared a $315 million fundraising round for the development of Hasten, a leading pharmaceutical company.
“The company is uniquely positioned to address the growing need for advanced neurology and allergy treatments while aligning with our commitment to enhance access to care and drive growth within the healthcare system” elaborated Mohamed Albadr, Head of Asia for Mubadala.
CBC Group, with overall assets under management amounting to $9 billion, is the largest healthcare-dedicated asset management company in Asia. CBC Group focuses on platform-building, buyout, PIE deals, and real estate across diverse areas, encompassing pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, and healthcare services.
“In the short term, UCB is focused on launching novel medicines in immunology, neurology, and rare diseases in China.
While divesting this part of the business, UCB reaffirms its strong commitment to patients with unmet needs in China. As Jean-Christophe Tellier, CEO at UCB stated, “Our dedication to serving patients in China remains steadfast. Building on a solid presence spanning 28 years in the country, we remain committed to improving patient outcomes through continued collaboration with local partners, focusing on innovation to drive positive change.”
UCB, headquartered in Belgium, is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of transformative medicines for addressing the needs of individuals living with severe diseases affecting the immune system or the central nervous system.
What are the potential benefits for patients in China resulting from CBC Group’s acquisition of UCB’s neurology and allergy portfolio?
## CBC Group Expands in China with UCB Acquisition
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to the program. Today, we’re discussing a major development in the Chinese pharmaceutical market. Joining us to discuss the acquisition of UCB’s neurology and allergy business by CBC Group is [Guest Name], a leading expert in the healthcare investment landscape. Welcome to the show.
**Interviewer:**
CBC Group has made a significant move by acquiring UCB’s established neurology and allergy portfolio in China. Can you tell our viewers about the significance of this $680 million deal?
**Guest:**
This acquisition is a major play by CBC Group, positioning them as a key player in the rapidly expanding Chinese neurology and allergy treatment market. By acquiring well-known brands like Keppra, Vimpat, Neupro, Zyrtec, and Xyzal, along with the Zhuhai manufacturing site, CBC Group gains a substantial foothold in a sector with considerable growth potential. [[1](https://www.mubadala.com/en/news/mubadala-co-invests-in-ucbs-mature-business-in-china-to-reinforce-its-long-term-commitment)]
**Interviewer:**
CBC Group CEO, Fu Wei, mentioned building an integrated CNS biopharma platform in China. What does this mean for patients and the industry?
**Guest:**
This signifies CBC Group’s commitment to going beyond simply acquiring existing assets. They aim to leverage this acquisition as a foundation to build a comprehensive ecosystem focused on CNS therapies. This could involve investing in research and development, fostering partnerships, and ultimately bringing innovative treatments to patients in China.
**Interviewer:**
We also see Mubadala Investment Company involved in this deal. What’s the significance of this partnership?
**Guest:**
The collaboration between CBC Group and Mubadala highlights the growing trend of international investment in the Chinese healthcare sector. Mubadala brings its significant financial resources and global expertise to the table, further strengthening CBC Group’s position. This partnership demonstrates confidence in the long-term potential of the Chinese pharmaceutical market.
**Interviewer:**
Thank you for providing such insightful analysis of this important development. It will be fascinating to observe how CBC Group shapes the future of neurology and allergy care in China.
**Outro:**
That was [Guest Name], sharing their expertise on the CBC Group acquisition. For more on this story and other financial news, stay tuned.
