The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of a stake in Schott Poonawalla Private Limited (SPPL) by TPG Scion SG Pte. Ltd., marking a significant development in the pharmaceutical packaging sector. The acquisition will be executed through a secondary share purchase from Serum Institute of India Private Limited.

TPG Scion SG Pte. Ltd. is a newly established special-purpose investment vehicle incorporated in Singapore on 11th October 2024, specifically for this transaction. Currently, it has no operational presence in India. It is affiliated with the TPG Group, a global, diversified investment firm founded in 1992. The TPG Group, which operates across multiple asset classes including private equity, real estate, and infrastructure, manages investments worldwide. The transaction is ultimately controlled by an entity advised by affiliates of TPG Inc., the ultimate holding company of the group.

Schott Poonawalla Private Limited (SPPL), the target company, is engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sale of pharmaceutical packaging solutions. Its product portfolio includes sterile and non-sterile glass containers such as ampoules, vials, cartridges, and prefilled syringes, which are critical components for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The company specialises in converting tubular glass into primary packaging solutions, ensuring high standards of safety and integrity for pharmaceutical formulations.

Strategic Importance of the Acquisition The acquisition aligns with TPG’s strategy of investing in high-growth sectors, particularly healthcare and life sciences. With India being a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, the demand for high-quality primary packaging solutions has surged, driven by the rise in vaccine production, biologics, and injectable therapies.

The CCI’s approval paves the way for enhanced investments, technological advancements, and global expertise infusion in India's pharmaceutical packaging segment. The partnership between TPG and SPPL is expected to strengthen supply chain efficiencies, improve manufacturing capabilities, and support innovation in sterile and injectable packaging solutions.

Market and Industry Outlook India’s pharmaceutical packaging market is witnessing robust growth, propelled by increasing regulatory requirements, demand for biologics, and the rise of single-dose drug delivery systems. The expansion of vaccine production and the growth of biosimilars and novel therapies have amplified the need for advanced packaging solutions.

With global investors such as TPG entering the segment, the industry is poised for enhanced technological collaborations, automation in manufacturing, and sustainable packaging innovations. The acquisition of a stake in Schott Poonawalla Private Limited is expected to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for pharmaceutical packaging, ensuring compliance with stringent international standards while catering to the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry.