Private equity firm Permira is seeking a valuation of around USD 4 billion for its contract drug manufacturer Cambrex, as it prepares to launch a sale against the backdrop of strong investor interest in pharmaceutical production within the USA. The move reflects a wider industry trend, with governments and companies pushing to strengthen domestic supply chains in response to potential tariffs and incentives supporting onshore manufacturing.

Permira acquired Cambrex in 2019 for approximately USD 2.4 billion. The company now generates about USD 225 million in adjusted annual earnings and operates 14 facilities worldwide, half of which are located in the USA.

The sale process, primarily aimed at private equity bidders, will be run as an auction, although there is no certainty that a deal will be finalised.

The potential divestment comes at a time of heightened consolidation and rising valuations in the contract drug manufacturing sector, highlighted by a recent USD 10 billion acquisition of rival PCI Pharma.