Asahi Kasei Corporation revealed plans on the 26th to acquire German pharmaceutical development company Aiquiris for around €780 million (approximately 143.1 billion yen). This acquisition underscores Asahi Kasei's strategic focus on the pharmaceutical sector, which it considers as vital as its semiconductor materials and overseas housing ventures. Notably, this marks the third acquisition exceeding 100 billion yen in the pharmaceutical domain for the company since 2020, illustrating its commitment to expanding its portfolio in high-value, profit-generating areas.

The acquisition will be executed through a subsidiary based in the United States, with a target completion date set between April and June of this year. Founded in 2006, Aiquiris has developed specialized antiviral medications aimed at severe infectious diseases, which are expected to complement Asahi Kasei's existing drugs in transplantation and other therapeutic areas. This synergistic potential is seen as a strategic advantage for the company's growth in niche markets.

Asahi Kasei has consistently pursued acquisitions that promise high added value and profitability, with previous significant purchases including a US drug discovery startup acquired in 2020 for approximately 140 billion yen and a Swedish pharmaceutical company bought for about 170 billion yen in 2024. The company's strategy emphasizes the pursuit of niche fields with relatively low competition, allowing for more manageable operations and focused development efforts.