The Mohammed VI Investment Fund (FM6I) has signed an agreement with Recipharm AB and BAB Consortium to acquire Recipharm's 10% stake in Maroc Biotechnologies (MARBIO), a company operating in Morocco's pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. The transaction, which was announced on September 21, is subject to regulatory approvals and fulfillment of applicable conditions. MARBIO operates an industrial platform in Benslimane, covering vaccine formulation, aseptic filling, packaging, quality control, and batch release.
The partnership between MARBIO's stakeholders, including the Moroccan state, Recipharm, and BAB Consortium, began in September 2021 under the initiative of King Mohammed VI. The collaboration aimed to establish a fill-and-finish site in Benslimane for vaccines and biological products. Recipharm supported MARBIO on technical, industrial, operational, and regulatory matters, enabling the company to develop necessary capabilities. Over the past five years, the partnership has laid the groundwork for MARBIO's industrial operations.
The new agreement outlines arrangements for the transition between Recipharm and MARBIO, ensuring operational continuity as the company enters its next phase. FM6I stated that the acquisition aligns with its role in promoting productive investment and mobilizing capital around Morocco's strategic priorities. The fund will support MARBIO in developing its industrial and technological capabilities in the vaccine sector.
The acquisition will provide MARBIO with a stronger national base, enabling the company to work towards long-term industrial development. MARBIO aims to contribute to Morocco's health sovereignty and build an industrial and technological platform with a regional focus. The company plans to strengthen Morocco's position in Africa and secure healthcare supply chains across the continent.
MARBIO was founded in 2021 with an initial share capital of MAD 1.4 billion. The company's Benslimane platform covers formulation, aseptic filling, packaging, quality control, and batch release. Recipharm, a Swedish company, employs over 4,500 people and operates development and manufacturing sites in several countries, including Germany, Spain, and the United States.
FM6I, a sovereign investment fund, has an initial share capital of MAD 15 billion. The fund finances and supports strategic investment projects and companies in priority sectors to boost Morocco's growth, employment, and competitiveness. The acquisition of Recipharm's stake in MARBIO is expected to support the company's growth and development in the vaccine sector.
The transaction marks a new phase for MARBIO, which is poised to contribute to Morocco's health sovereignty and industrial development. With the acquisition, FM6I will support MARBIO in achieving its goals and strengthening Morocco's position in the African healthcare market.
Key points
- FM6I to acquire Recipharm's 10% stake in MARBIO.
- The acquisition aims to support MARBIO's growth and development in the vaccine sector.
- MARBIO plans to contribute to Morocco's health sovereignty and build an industrial and technological platform with a regional focus.
