Overview

3i has established a scaled, global, pure-play platform in the bioprocessing market by bringing together SaniSure, Cellon, TBL, and Silicone Altimex (together, “SaniSure”). SaniSure is a vertically-integrated player in the single-use bioprocessing technology (“SUT“) space capable of providing highly customised and innovative solutions to leading biopharma and biotech customers. The SUT bioprocessing market is anticipated to grow at 13-20%+ across its various subsegments over the coming years, as the industry transitions to more flexible, clean, and operating cost-advantaged technology relative to traditional multi-use counterparts.

Recognising an attractive market opportunity characterised by high growth and a need for a leading independent platform of scale, 3i began a journey to create a single-use bioprocessing platform in December 2019 with the acquisition of founder-owned Cellon and subsequent combination of the business with Silicone Altimex and TBL Performance Plastics.

In July 2020, the platform completed the transformative acquisition of founder-owned Sani-Tech West Inc., a leading US-based manufacturer, distributor, and integrator of SUT systems and components, helping the platform accelerate its US market strategy.

The acquisition significantly expanded the combined group’s global footprint and brought a complementary portfolio of innovative products and single-use solutions capabilities. The combined platform has robust manufacturing and cleanroom assembly operations in both North America and Europe, offering enhanced supply chain assurance to its customers with a global footprint and vertically-integrated capabilities. 

Highlights

• Created a unified, vertically-integrated platform in the high-growth bioprocessing space by bringing together Cellon, TBL, and Silicone Altimex 
• Recruited key management members to complement the founders and other existing leaders, while professionalising the organisation and codifying business strategy
• Brought Sani-Tech West into the platform, doubling the size of the combined business and creating a global leader with well-established operations and reach in North America and Europe
• Positioned the platform to be a global strategic SUT solutions partner of choice for leading biopharma and biotech companies and contract development and manufacturing organisations (“CDMOs”)
• SaniSure received the EcoVadis Silver Medal 2024 for its sustainability practices. The Silver rating recognises SaniSure’s proactive efforts to reduce its environmental impact throughout its operations, the company's commitment to implementing robust environmental, social and governance programmes and its focus on achieving even higher sustainability targets in the future.

Regulatory information 
This transaction involved a recommendation of 3i Corporation.