HRA Pharma, a European leader in women’s health and rare endocrine diseases, was acquired by a consortium led by Astorg Partners and Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division. Riverside Europe Partners, a previous investor in HRA Pharma, played a key role in this transaction. This article explores the acquisition and the involvement of Riverside Europe Partners.
HRA Pharma: A Pioneer in Women’s Health
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Paris, HRA Pharma boasts a strong presence across Europe. The company is recognized for its pioneering work in emergency contraception, having developed the first levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptive in 1999. This product is currently available in over 50 countries. HRA Pharma further solidified its leadership with ellaOne, a next-generation ulipristal acetate-based emergency contraceptive available in over 80 countries. Beyond contraception, HRA Pharma has a significant global presence in treating rare endocrine diseases and has successfully out-licensed Esmya, a groundbreaking non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids.
A Period of Rapid Growth and Strategic Acquisition
In recent years, HRA Pharma experienced substantial revenue growth, doubling in just four years to reach €89 million in 2015. This impressive growth was fueled by new product launches, geographic expansion, and a robust development pipeline. The acquisition by Astorg and Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division marked a strategic turning point for the company, providing resources for further expansion, particularly in the US market. Riverside Europe Partners, having previously invested in HRA Pharma, realized significant returns from this successful exit.
The Role of Riverside Europe Partners
While specific details regarding Riverside Europe Partners’ involvement remain undisclosed, their role as a prior investor highlights their expertise in identifying and nurturing high-potential healthcare companies. This successful exit underscores Riverside Europe Partners’ ability to generate strong returns for their investors and contribute to the growth of innovative companies like HRA Pharma. Their involvement likely provided HRA Pharma with strategic guidance and financial support during a crucial phase of its development.
Financial advisors working on a deal
Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation and Global Expansion
The acquisition positions HRA Pharma for continued growth and innovation. With the backing of Astorg and Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division, the company is poised to expand its global reach, invest in research and development, and continue to deliver innovative solutions in women’s health and rare diseases. This transaction serves as a testament to HRA Pharma’s success and its potential to further impact the healthcare landscape globally. The strategic involvement of firms like Riverside Europe Partners contributes significantly to the success stories of companies pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.
Key Players in the Acquisition
Several key players participated in the acquisition of HRA Pharma:
- Astorg Partners: Thierry Timsit, Judith Charpentier, Charles-Hubert le Baron, Olivier Lieven
- Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division: Michael Bruun, Scarlett Omar-Broca, Alexandre Flavier, Adam Dawson
- Riverside Europe Partners: (Specific individuals not listed in the source material)
This successful acquisition underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and investments in driving innovation and growth within the healthcare industry. HRA Pharma’s future looks bright, poised for continued success in developing and delivering critical treatments to patients worldwide.
