AST and Marchesini Group have entered into a partnership to strengthen their position in sterile fill-finish production by delivering increasingly advanced, integrated and comprehensive solutions. This agreement will provide both companies with greater production capacity and an extended global network for technical assistance and support, while consolidating distribution networks and sales channels across North America, Europe, Asia and other strategic regions.

As part of the partnership, Joe Hoff, Chairman and CEO, AST, will increase his ownership stake in AST, underscoring the shared commitment to long-term growth and innovation of both parties. Hoff will remain the Chairman and CEO of AST and will join the steering committee of the Aseptic Division of the Marchesini Group which leads the sterile fill-finish and drug product manufacturing segment.

"Marchesini Group brings a shared vision of innovative technology, strong customer service, and respect for employees, customers, suppliers and communities. This partnership isn't about changing who we are—it's about leveraging our relationships, experiences, capabilities and resources to accelerate our shared leadership in drug product manufacturing and sterile fill-finish. Together, we will leverage our strengths to deliver even more value to our customers and stakeholders. By uniting our product portfolios, we're not just expanding what we offer — we're multiplying the value we can deliver to customers around the world," said Joe Hoff, CEO, AST.

The partnership will enable the development of sophisticated technologies, driven by a shared vision: creating value for customers, expanding market presence and fostering innovation.  Specifically, Marchesini Group has acquired a 44.39 percent equity stake in AST, further enriching its portfolio of aseptic packaging solutions. AST's technologies, advanced aseptic filling and closing systems for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, will complement those of the group's two production plants: Corima, the Tuscan excellence that is a benchmark in Italy for sterile product filling, and MAR, specialised in precision filling and capping machines for liquid and powder products.

"This investment confirms our commitment to continued growth. It's not driven by ambition alone, but by the desire to build strategic partnerships that allow us to offer our customers increasingly comprehensive and technologically advanced solutions. This is especially crucial in the field of aseptic filling, where product protection and innovation demand cutting-edge equipment.

“I would like to emphasise that AST's entry into the group and our focus on the US market do not imply a shift in production away from our territory. We will continue to invest in Italy, strengthening our presence, as demonstrated by the recent expansion of the Barberino di Mugello facility and the planned enlargement of Corima's production site in Siena," he added.

By leveraging the heritage and strength of both brands, the partnership will expand market presence without losing connection to local markets. Both companies share a commitment to operational excellence, innovation and long-term value creation.

"This operation allows us to further expand our portfolio of aseptic fill-finish machines. The pharmaceutical market is heavily investing in the development of new therapies, such as anti-cancer treatments, as well as in complex biotechnological production processes that demand extremely high processing standards. The partnership with AST will enable us to strengthen the know-how and further specialise in the design of customised systems tailored to our clients' specific needs. Moreover, this collaboration will help us consolidate our presence in the United States, confirming the commitment to grow in a strategic and constantly evolving market," remarked Valerio Soli, CEO, Marchesini Group.