HOCHDORF and Pharmalys Form Infant Nutrition Venture

Hochdorf Laboratories SA will combine Swiss manufacturing operations with brands sold across 32 countries

HOCHDORF Swiss Nutrition and Pharmalys Laboratories have formed a jointly owned infant nutrition business under the name Hochdorf Laboratories SA.

The venture will be led by HOCHDORF and supported by AS Equity Partners, which owns the Swiss nutrition producer.

Selected infant nutrition brands, intellectual property and technical knowledge will be transferred to the new company. HOCHDORF will provide its production technology and manufacturing capacity, while Pharmalys will contribute its brands and distribution network spanning 32 countries.

The partners said the structure would shorten decision-making, improve the use of HOCHDORF’s production facilities and support profitable international sales.

AS Equity Partners said the transaction forms part of its plans to focus HOCHDORF on higher-value production and overseas markets.

Andreas Schulte, founder and managing partner at AS Equity Partners, said the firm remained committed to providing financial and strategic backing for the venture. He said the new business represented an important stage in the investor’s plans for HOCHDORF.

Amir Mechria, chairman of Pharmalys Laboratories, said the agreement would connect HOCHDORF’s manufacturing operations with Pharmalys’ brands and commercial network.

HOCHDORF produces milk-based nutrition products, including infant formula, from its operations in Switzerland.

Pharmalys develops and sells infant nutrition products through distributors in 32 countries.

AS Equity Partners is a private equity firm with offices in Zurich and London. The firm invests in mid-market technology and industrial companies, including corporate carve-outs and businesses undergoing operational restructuring.