Strategic divestment to help healthcare packaging company reduce debt and focus on pharmaceutical solutions and drug delivery systems
German healthcare packaging specialist Gerresheimer has agreed to sell its global Primary Packaging Plastics (PPP) business along with its U.S.-based Centor operations to private equity firm Apax Funds in a transaction valued at approximately €1.5 billion. The move marks a strategic shift as Gerresheimer focuses on its core pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery businesses.
The divestment includes 15 production sites across nine countries and Centor’s U.S. manufacturing facility. The businesses generated combined revenue of around €570 million in 2025 and employ approximately 2,400 people globally.
Gerresheimer said the transaction is part of its strategy to strengthen its financial position, reduce leverage and improve its capital structure. The company plans to concentrate on high-growth healthcare segments, including pharmaceutical containment solutions, drug delivery systems and specialised medical technologies.
The divested plastic packaging operations serve various markets, including healthcare, consumer applications and industrial sectors. Under Apax ownership, the businesses are expected to gain new opportunities for investment, expansion and operational development within the global packaging industry.
Gerresheimer has been reshaping its portfolio to focus more strongly on pharmaceutical and biotech applications. The company has expanded its healthcare packaging capabilities in recent years through strategic investments and acquisitions, including strengthening its presence in pharmaceutical plastic packaging solutions.
The transaction reflects a wider trend in the packaging sector, where companies are reviewing portfolios, focusing on specialised markets and seeking growth opportunities through strategic restructuring. Demand for pharmaceutical packaging continues to rise globally due to increasing healthcare needs and the expansion of advanced drug delivery technologies.
With the sale of its plastic packaging units, Gerresheimer aims to build a more focused healthcare technology business while allowing the divested operations to pursue independent growth opportunities in the broader plastics and packaging market.