Best Deal 2021: Heuking recognized for cross border deal (Bayer and WuXi Biologics)

Heuking was honored by “The M&A Advisor” for the cross border deal between WuXi Biologics and Bayer. The team led by Dirk W. Kolvenbach, Partner at the Düsseldorf office, and Michael Pauli, Partner at Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek’s Cologne office, was presented with the award in the category of “Cross Border Deal of the Year ($100MM to $1B)” at the 13th Annual International M&A Awards in New York on September 21, 2022. The Heuking team legally advised globally operating Chinese group WuXi Biologics, among others, on the acquisition of a plant for biologics from Bayer AG.

In 2021, Bayer and WuXi Biologics entered into a long-term sublease and a long-term service agreement. The transaction volume, including the lease agreement, amounted to about EUR 150 million. The new facility at the Pharmaceuticals Division’s site in Wuppertal will be used for the production of highly sought-after substances, including COVID-19 vaccines. WuXi Biologics intends to make further significant investments in process equipment at the site.

Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, WuXi Biologics is a leading global open access biologics technology platform offering end-to-end solutions that enable partners to discover, develop, and manufacture biologics from concept to commercialization.

The team led by the two Heuking Partners had previously advised its client WuXi Biologics on the acquisition of the drug formulation plant in Leverkusen from Bayer at the beginning of 2020. “We are very pleased to have received the award, which proves that we hold an excellent position in the international cross border business with our interdisciplinary team,” said Dirk W. Kolvenbach.

For more than a decade, the Annual International M&A Awards have recognized the leading transactions, restructuring and financing projects, products and services, firms and professionals involving more than one country market.

Counsel to WuXi Biologics
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek:
Dirk W. Kolvenbach (Lead, Corporate/M&A), Düsseldorf
Michael Pauli, LL.M. (Lead, Corporate/M&A), Cologne
Mathis Dick, LL.M. (Real Estate), 
Michael Below, (Public Law), 
Dr. Bodo Dehne (Investment Control), 
Wolfram Meven (Tax), 
Dr. Rainer Velte (Antitrust), all Düsseldorf
Fabian Gerstner, LL.M. (Construction),
Bettina Neheider (Construction), both Munich
Dr. Tobias Plath, LL.M. (Insurance),
Torsten Groß, LL.M. (Employment),
Sarah Radon, LL.M. (Commercial), all Düsseldorf