Heraeus Precious Metals Acquires Umicore’s Platinum API Business Outside South America
Heraeus Precious Metals has completed the acquisition of Umicore’s Platinum Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) business outside of South America. The move bolsters Heraeus’s position in the platinum API sector, enhancing its product offerings while maintaining a commitment to competitive pricing and high-quality standards.
Effective immediately, the business will be integrated into Heraeus Precious Metals, the precious metals division of the Heraeus Group. The acquisition excludes Umicore’s platinum API business and production facility in South America, as well as other non-platinum molecules.
Dr. Andrea Lamberti, Head of Pharmaceutical Ingredients at Heraeus Precious Metals, emphasized the importance of the acquisition, stating, “Our mission is to reliably provide customers with the highest quality products, ensuring effective treatment for as many cancer patients as possible. By merging our strengths, we create synergies that allow us to offer a robust portfolio at competitive prices while maintaining uncompromising quality standards.”
Michael Schwarz, Commercial Director of the Global API Business at Umicore, highlighted Heraeus as the ideal partner for customers outside South America, citing shared values in delivering excellent quality and operational synergies.
Cancer remains a global health challenge, responsible for nearly one in six deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The demand for a reliable supply of APIs is critical, and Heraeus has been active in addressing this need. In 2021, the company significantly expanded its platinum API production capacity in Hanau, Germany, with a multi-million-euro investment to meet growing market demand. This latest acquisition further strengthens Heraeus’s ability to provide essential oncology APIs such as Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Oxaliplatin.
Heraeus has been producing oncology APIs since the 1970s, supplying its products globally from Germany. During a transitional period, Heraeus will continue to offer Umicore’s Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Oxaliplatin alongside its own products to ensure consistent availability for patients worldwide.
