Avantor, a global supplier of ultra-high-purity materials for the life sciences and advanced technology industries, and VWR, a global independent provider of product, supply chain, and service solutions to laboratory and production customers, have entered into a definitive agreement under which Avantor will acquire VWR for approximately $6.4 billion.

Avantor’s acquisition of VWR will create a major consumables-focused solutions and services provider to the life sciences and advanced technologies industries, as well as education, government, and research institutions across the globe. The acquisition will build on each company’s strengths, including Avantor’s cGMP manufacturing processes, significant exposure to emerging markets and VWR’s position across the Americas and Europe. The combined company will be a vertically integrated organization, serving a global customer base in all areas of their activities, from research through production.

“Avantor’s acquisition of VWR is both highly compelling and complementary,” said Michael Stubblefield, chief executive officer, Avantor. “We will bring together our well-known expertise in ultra-high-purity materials and customized solutions with VWR’s global scale, unparalleled channel access, and deep customer relationships. Collectively, this will create a larger, stronger and more diversified company with significantly enhanced scale and product breadth. The global customers that we plan to serve in a more high-touch manner will immediately benefit from the combination, as we will provide end-to-end solutions that offer increased quality, effectiveness, and productivity.”