ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, has announced the formation of Arcera, a global holding company in the life sciences sector.
The new company is aiming to be a leader in addressing and mitigating healthcare challenges by offering products that improve the quality and longevity of human life, ADQ said in a press release.
With a combined workforce of over 6,500 people and sales and distribution in over 90 countries across four continents, Arcera aims to become a global life sciences powerhouse.
Arcera offers 2,000 branded medicines across a wide range of therapeutic areas, addressing numerous acute and chronic conditions across neurology, gastroenterology, cardiovascular, pain relief, rheumatology and anti-infectives.
ADQ’s shareholdings in three companies were transferred to Arcera:
- Acino International (Acino): a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Switzerland with origins dating back to 1836 and manufacturing sites in five countries as well as commercial operations across four continents that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of medicines internationally.
- Birgi Mefar Group (BMG): one of Turkey’s largest sterile production service companies specialising in the manufacturing of sterile injectables and glass packaging, in addition to pharmaceutical distribution services.
- Amoun Pharmaceutical Company (Amoun): a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Egypt specialised in the development, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and export of human pharmaceutical and animal health products.
The company’s robust manufacturing and packaging base encompasses seven sites in the UAE, Switzerland, Ukraine, Estonia, South Africa, Türkiye and Egypt.
Boosted by Acino’s legacy, Arcera is planning to double its revenue over the next five years through value-accretive strategic acquisitions in key markets globally and forging high-impact global partnerships.
“By consolidating our life sciences companies under one umbrella, Arcera signifies a strategic evolution, unlocking substantial portfolio value and reinforcing our commitment to innovation, globalization and digitization, which are key growth levers in this industry,” said Hamad Al Hammadi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ADQ.
Arcera’s brand name is a fusion of ‘arc’ and ‘era,’ symbolizing upward momentum and longevity. This choice reflects the company’s vision to emerge as a leading global player in the life sciences industry.
“Arcera enables its businesses to accelerate growth plans and enhance integration, as well as further expand and develop capabilities,” said Isabel Afonso, CEO of Arcera. “We are pursuing bold ambitions and work towards becoming a leading global life sciences company that fosters longer and healthier lives while creating value. It is a great honour to be trusted to lead Arcera.”
The company is set to make significant contributions to realizing Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Healthcare Life Sciences Vision and bolster the UAE’s aspiration to emerge as a frontrunner in science and technology.
