Dechra Pharmaceuticals Limited (Dechra) announces sale of the Avishield® poultry vaccines portfolio to Vaxxinova

17 June 2025

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.

Further information

About Vaxxinova

Vaxxinova, part of the EW Group, is a globally present Animal Health company specialised  in autogenous and registered vaccines for  production animals including poultry, aqua, cattle and swine. Vaxxinova’s expertise network comprises R&D, Production and Diagnostic centres in 10 countries.

For more information, please visit: www.vaxxinova.com

Contact Information

For Dechra:

Damian Boardman, Corporate Development Director
corporate.enquiries@dechra.com

For Vaxxinova:

Wouter Wathiong, Managing Director Europe & International Zone
wouter.wathiong@vaxxinova.com