Celltrion to Acquire and Expand Eli Lilly’s U.S. Biopharmaceutical Plant in USD 1 Billion Deal

Paul Lee Reporter

hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr | 2025-09-24 03:49:36

 

 

[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Seoul/New Jersey, September 23, 2025 – Celltrion announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Eli Lilly’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in New Jersey, marking the first such move by a Korean pharma company in response to the U.S. government’s recent high-tariff policy on imported medicines.



Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin confirmed in an online briefing that the transaction has been finalized with Eli Lilly, with only U.S. government approval pending by year-end.

Facility Overview

Location: New Jersey, USA

Site Area: 148,760㎡



Buildings: Four, including manufacturing facilities, logistics warehouse, technical support center, and operations building



Investment Plan

Celltrion will invest a total of KRW 1.4 trillion (approx. USD 1 billion):

KRW 460 billion for the acquisition

KRW 240 billion for initial operations

KRW 700 billion for capacity expansion




Strategic Significance

Chairman Seo emphasized that the acquisition would shield the company from tariff risks and create new opportunities in the U.S. market:


“Through this investment, Celltrion has completely eliminated tariff risks. Our proactive strategy will open new doors for the company in the U.S. biopharmaceutical market.”


This landmark acquisition underscores Celltrion’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and strengthening its position in the world’s largest healthcare market.

 

 

 

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