Qualicaps to Purchase Pharmaphil

GREENSBORO, N.C.—The Qualicaps Group, a global supplier of empty two-piece gelatin and non-gelatin capsules and capsule filling and sealing equipment, signed a definitive agreement Jan. 10 to acquire Windsor, Ontario-based Pharmaphil Inc., a manufacturer of empty gelatin capsules, for an undisclosed sum. The transaction was expected to close by the end of January.

Qualicaps (formerly Shionogi Qualicaps) was acquired by the Carlyle Group in 2005 and embarked on a growth strategy that includes both organic business development and acquisition strategies. Pharmaphil was a part of the RP Scherer Corp. for more than 30 years, before a management buyout in 1994. After the Qualicaps acquisition, Pharmaphil will become a subsidiary of Qualicaps’ U.S. operation.

“The acquisition of Pharmaphil provides Qualicaps additional access to both an experienced management team and work force,” said Herbert L. Hugill, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Qualicaps (www.qualicaps.com). “Pharmaphil’s high-quality production capability and its relationships with several major customers in the North American pharmaceutical and dietary supplement market segments complement perfectly Qualicaps’ growth strategy.”

“With Qualicaps’ broader product line and global reach, this transaction brings additional value to Pharmaphil’s customers by offering a broader package of capsules and equipment to help satisfy their requirements for growth,” said Vancho Cirovski, co-owner, Pharmaphil.