The booming biotechnology industry is drawing widespread attention, with investors competing to stake their claims. Preliminary statistics show that at least 13 companies will see changes in their equity structure in 2024, including Bio Preventive Medicine, NORBEL BABY, Tanvex BioPharma-KY, and Apex Biotechnology, all of which have attracted "wealthy investors." The market anticipates a major reshuffling of operational control in 2025.
Additionally, Catcher Technology, which has invested in United Orthopedic Corporation, PACIFIC HOSPITAL SUPPLY, and Apex Biotechnology in recent years, has yet to become the largest shareholder in these companies. However, its clear intent to test the waters signals its potential to become a major source of capital for the biotech sector in the future.
Among 2024's equity acquisition cases, SANYANG’s move to become the largest shareholder of Apex Biotechnology has garnered the most attention. SANYANG recently announced an additional NT$290 million investment, acquiring 8,694 shares of Apex Biotechnology. Combined with its existing holdings, SANYANG now owns a 15% stake in the company.
Apex Biotechnology, with a straightforward balance sheet and virtually zero debt, had a net asset value per share of NT$17.78 at the end of Q3 2024. Given that Apex Biotechnology Chairman Shen Yan-Shi is advanced in age, SANYANG has not only increased its investment but has also been preparing a professional team specializing in blood glucose and other medical devices. Resource integration and operational control are expected to become hot topics in 2025.
Andrew Lin, leading the Anfu Health Fund II, invested approximately NT$176 million at NT$23 per share in Bio Preventive Medicine’s private placement, making him the largest single shareholder with a 15.47% stake. This marks Lin's third major investment in the biotech industry, following TaiRx and BRIM Biotechnology, indicating his expected significant role in Bio Preventive Medicine's future.
Qisda, which has already established a flagship biomedical division, continues to expand through acquisitions and investments. The company has invested in more than 10 biotech firms, including its recent acquisition of a 13.95% stake in NORBEL BABY through a public tender offer at NT$175 per share in November 2024. With its holdings surpassing 40%, NORBEL BABY will now be included in Qisda's consolidated financial statements.
Qisda’s diversified investments in the biotech field cover surgical room equipment, contact lenses, skincare, ophthalmic medical instruments, chain pharmacies, genetic testing, healthcare consulting, medical displays, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical devices, and more. Including its BenQ hospitals in China, the group aims to build a fully integrated biomedical supply chain, demonstrating its ambitious plans.
Recognizing the growing trend of tech companies entering the biotech industry, not only are large conglomerates positioning themselves, but smaller tech firms are also following suit. TAINET, a networking equipment company, has been actively investing in Medeon Biodesign since 2021 through substantial block trades and tender offers. By becoming Medeon Biodesign’s largest shareholder with a 23.7% stake, TAINET has solidified its position in the sector. In 2024, the company further acquired a 6.478% stake in Avita Corporation through a public tender offer.
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