Zentiva's Transition: From Advent to GTCR Unveiled

Zentiva's Strategic Transition: A New Era with GTCR

In a significant development within the pharmaceutical industry, Zentiva, a renowned player in the European generics market, has announced its acquisition by GTCR from Advent, a leading global private equity investor. The deal, which is set to reshape the company's strategic direction, was unveiled on September 11, 2025, in a joint statement by the involved parties from Prague, London, and Chicago.

Background of Zentiva's Growth

Since its acquisition from Sanofi in 2018, Advent has been instrumental in guiding Zentiva through a transformative journey. Under Advent's stewardship, Zentiva has not only enhanced its operational efficiencies but also expanded its portfolio significantly. By investing in research and development capabilities and broadening its manufacturing footprint, Advent has helped establish Zentiva as a formidable standalone entity in the European healthcare landscape.

Steffen Saltofte, the CEO of Zentiva, expressed gratitude towards Advent, noting, "Advent has been an exceptional partner in our transformation journey. Their commitment to investing in our capabilities and pipeline has enabled us to serve millions of patients across Europe effectively."

GTCR's Role and Vision

GTCR's involvement marks a new chapter for Zentiva, one backed by a firm with a rich history in healthcare investments. The company has exhibited deep expertise in the pharmaceutical sector over the past two decades. This aligns perfectly with Zentiva’s mission to provide high-quality, affordable medicines. Sean Cunningham, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare at GTCR, emphasized their excitement about partnering with Zentiva's management team, stating, "We look forward to supporting Zentiva as it continues to deliver high-value medicines to patients across Europe."

The Journey Ahead

This transition is not merely a change in ownership; it represents Zentiva's commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare products. With the backing of GTCR, the firm aims to leverage its extensive industry experience to navigate the complexities of the pharmaceutical landscape. The focus will be on both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, vital for expanding Zentiva’s market presence.

According to Tom Allen, Managing Director at Advent, the journey since 2018 has been remarkable. Zentiva has more than doubled its revenue and EBITDA, creating a robust foundation for future growth. "By actively working with the management team and investing in the company’s capabilities, we've turned Zentiva into a leader in providing affordable medicines," he noted.

Looking Forward: Regulatory Approvals and Future Prospects

As the transaction proceeds, it remains contingent upon customary regulatory approvals, with an expected closing date in early 2026. Both Advent and GTCR have engaged top financial advisories to navigate this complex transition. Advent was advised by Goldman Sachs and PJT Partners, while GTCR worked with Barclays and BNP Paribas, among others.

About Zentiva

Zentiva is dedicated to enhancing health and well-being across generations, focusing on developing, producing, and delivering high-quality medicines to over 100 million individuals in more than 30 countries. With four fully-owned manufacturing facilities and a spacious network of partnerships, Zentiva’s commitment to quality and access is unwavering.

As we look ahead, this strategic acquisition signals not just a shift in ownership but a renewed promise to improve patient access to essential medicines across Europe. As emphasized by Saltofte, the company's ongoing commitment remains focused on operational excellence to serve the healthcare needs of millions. Zentiva stands poised for a promising future under the guidance of GTCR, ready to make an even greater impact on the healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sale of Zentiva from Advent to GTCR not only underscores the firm’s success in transforming pharmaceutical investments but also highlights the future potential for growth and innovation in providing affordable medicines. This transition represents a bright future for Zentiva, with expectations set high for the years to come.