Dechra announces sale of Avishield® poultry vaccines portfolio to Vaxxinova D
Dechra Pharmaceuticals Limited (Dechra) has sold eight products, and their poultry vaccine R&D team based in Croatia will also transfer to Vaxxinova
18 June 2025
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By: The Avishield portfolio currently consists of eight products manufactured, marketed and sold by Dechra into 29 countries. In addition, the Dechra poultry vaccine research and development (R&D) team of 24 people based in Zagreb, Croatia, and corresponding pipeline of potential future products, will also transfer to Vaxxinova upon completion, allowing them to continue their work towards commercialisation.
Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
Jesper Nordengaard, Chief Executive Officer of Dechra, said "The sale of our poultry vaccines business to Vaxxinova represents a good deal for all parties, and is entirely aligned with our long term strategy. In particular, it was important that we found a buyer who recognised the significant work the R&D team in Zagreb have performed over a number of years in developing their pipeline and were committed to its ongoing development.”
Victor van Solinge, Chief Executive Officer of Vaxxinova, remarked “The addition of the Avishield® portfolio significantly strengthens our position in the poultry vaccine market and complements our existing VAXXON® range. We are excited to welcome the R&D team in Zagreb, whose expertise will be instrumental to further extend our portfolio. This acquisition underlines our long-term commitment to the poultry industry.”
To support the transition, Dechra will continue to manufacture all Avishield products and act as distributor on behalf of Vaxxinova for a two-year transitional period whilst the technical transfer of the portfolio to Vaxxinova’s own manufacturing facility in Italy takes place.
Under the terms of the transaction, Dechra has agreed to lease their R&D facility in Zagreb for a period of three years to allow Vaxxinova sufficient time to find their own permanent R&D base in Zagreb.
Commenting on the sale, Damian Boardman, Dechra Corporate Development Director added “Through close collaboration with the Vaxxinova team, we have secured mutually beneficial arrangements that will ensure a smooth transition."
Stifel acted as exclusive financial advisor to Dechra and DLA Piper LLP acted as legal advisor. CMS acted as legal advisor to Vaxxinova. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions.
