Samsung Biologics’ Mergers and Acquisitions: A New Era for Korea’s Biopharma Industry

Samsung Biologics, a leading South Korean biopharmaceutical company, has recently made significant moves in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) space, reshaping both its corporate structure and the broader industry landscape.

Full Acquisition of Samsung Bioepis

In April 2022, Samsung Biologics completed the full acquisition of Samsung Bioepis by purchasing Biogen’s stake in their joint venture for $2.3 billion. This transaction transformed Samsung Bioepis into a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Biologics, granting the company greater autonomy and agility in its operations. The acquisition was strategically funded through a capital increase, with the expectation of accelerating growth in biosimilars and novel therapeutics R&D. According to John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics, this milestone would help the company leverage its contract development and manufacturing expertise to drive further innovation and address a wider range of diseases.

Strategic Spin-Off and Corporate Restructuring

In May 2025, Samsung Biologics announced a major restructuring: the company will split its business into two distinct units. The core contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business will remain under Samsung Biologics, while the biosimilar business, Samsung Bioepis, will be spun off into a new holding company, tentatively named Samsung Epis Holdings. This move is designed to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as Samsung Biologics contracts with many global pharmaceutical firms, while Samsung Bioepis develops biosimilars that sometimes compete with those clients’ products.

Under the new structure, Samsung Epis Holdings will fully own Samsung Bioepis and focus on biosimilar development and new investments, enabling faster and more specialized decision-making. Meanwhile, Samsung Biologics will concentrate exclusively on its CDMO operations, strengthening its position as a global leader in biomanufacturing.

Implications for the Korean Bio Industry

These M&A activities and structural changes signal Samsung’s commitment to building a robust and independent bio ecosystem in Korea. The integration of Samsung Bioepis and the subsequent creation of a dedicated holding company are expected to enhance competitiveness, facilitate global partnerships, and potentially pave the way for further large-scale M&A in the sector. Market reactions have been positive, with Samsung Biologics’ share price rising sharply following the announcements, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s growth prospects and strategic direction.

Conclusion

Samsung Biologics’ recent M&A activities, especially the full acquisition of Samsung Bioepis and the planned spin-off into a new holding company, mark a pivotal moment for the company and Korea’s biopharma industry. These moves are set to foster innovation, streamline operations, and position Samsung as a key global player in both contract manufacturing and biosimilar development.

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