3M to Sell Drug Delivery Business for $650M

3M has entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of its drug delivery business to an affiliate of Altaris Capital Partners, LLC. Subject to closing and other adjustments, 3M will receive approximately $650 million in total consideration, including cash, an interest-bearing security, and a 17 percent noncontrolling interest in the new company.
 
The business is a global leader in drug delivery that partners with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to develop and manufacture pharmaceutical products using unique inhalation, transdermal, microneedle, and conventional drug delivery technologies. 3M will retain its transdermal drug delivery components business. The business that is being divested has annual global sales of approximately $380 million.
 
“The drug delivery business is a leading provider of transdermal and inhalation delivery technologies,” said Michael Roman, 3M chairman and chief executive officer. “This transaction will allow us to focus more resources on our core health care business as well as retain a share in the value of the drug delivery business as it grows over the coming years.”
 
The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of 2020. Approximately 900 3M employees, who primarily support the business, are expected to join the new company upon completion of the sale.
 
3M expects to realize a gain of $0.45 to $0.50 per share from this transaction, net of actions related to the divestiture. Upon completion of the transaction, 3M’s ownership interest in the drug delivery business will be reported using the equity method of accounting.
 
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to 3M. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP acted as legal counsel to 3M.