1. In Vivo
  2. >>Business Strategy

bioMerieux's and Pierre Fabre's Surprise

Alain Merieux and Pierre Fabre surprised the world by announcing the merger of the two companies they founded, bioMerieux, the world's eighth largest diagnostics company, and Pierre Fabre, the second largest pharmaceutical house in France. The stated purpose of the proposed merger is to allow both companies, which will have combined sales of $1.6 billion, to better compete in consolidating industries than either could on its own. They will focus on four therapeutic areas, with a goal of linking diagnostics to therapeutics. The companies are unlikely partners from a strategic point of view: bioMerieux makes in vitro diagnostics instruments and reagents, while Pierre Fabre is a mid-sized pharma company.

Alain Merieux and Pierre Fabre are founders of two of France's most eminent private health care suppliers—bioMerieux SA , the world's eighth largest diagnostics company, and Pierre Fabre SA , the second largest privately held French pharmaceutical company. Both men, who are in their 70s, are long-time friends, facing retirement and the challenges of bringing their companies into the 21st century.

And that may go a long way towards explaining their surprising announcement that they are merging their companies to form a new entity, bioMerieux-Pierre Fabre[See Deal]. At first glance,...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Business Strategy

Late-Stage GLP-1 Drug Trials Outside The Cardiometabolic Space

 
• By David Wild

A look at Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and other companies' late-stage clinical studies of GLP-1 drugs in indications ranging from neurodegeneration to oncology, and alcoholic liver disease to autoimmune conditions.

Rising Leaders 2025: Metsera’s Whit Bernard’s Musical Path To Biotech Leadership

 
• By David Wild

Metsera CEO Whit Bernard applies an unconventional leadership philosophy to develop next-generation obesity therapeutics, including monthly GLP-1 injections and oral peptides.

AI In Drug Discovery: The Patent Implications

 
• By David Wild

A Q&A with DeAnn Smith, partner and co-chair of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Proceedings Practice Group at law firm Foley Hoag.

Is Advanced AI Revolutionizing Sales Enablement In Pharma?

 
• By Marina Hickson

Advanced AI is revolutionizing sales enablement by addressing training gaps and performance challenges. Used correctly, it can help to bridge the sales-marketing divide, accelerate ramp-up times and provide managers with data-driven insights.

More from In Vivo

Medtech Innovators Court London-Based Investors At BioWales 2025

 
• By Ashley Yeo

BioWales in London 2025 showcased the efforts healthtech innovators are making to meet investors on their own turf, illustrating changing attitudes and evolving needs.

Rising Leaders 2025: Metsera’s Whit Bernard’s Musical Path To Biotech Leadership

 
• By David Wild

Metsera CEO Whit Bernard applies an unconventional leadership philosophy to develop next-generation obesity therapeutics, including monthly GLP-1 injections and oral peptides.

UK Bets On Regulatory Innovation As Competitive Advantage In Synthetic Biology

 
• By David Wild

The UK government has prioritized synthetic biology and created a "concierge service" for biotechs just as the US cuts science funding.