Vaccine producer Phatisa exits Deltamune in strategic sale to Vaxxinova 

SOUTH AFRICA – Phatisa, through its Phatisa Food Fund 2, has announced the sale of its full interest in Deltamune (Pty) Ltd, a leading South African veterinary vaccine manufacturer, to Vaxxinova International B.V., a global animal health company within the EW Group. 

The deal, announced on July 10, is expected to reinforce vaccine production and disease response capabilities across sub-Saharan Africa, although financial terms remain undisclosed.

Founded in 1995, Deltamune specialises in the development and manufacture of vaccines for production animals, particularly poultry, and increasingly for ruminants such as cattle and sheep. 

The company produces approximately 15 million vaccine doses annually, supplying 12 countries in the SADC and COMESA regions. 

Its portfolio includes commercial and autogenous vaccines targeting diseases like Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza.

A growth-focused partnership

Phatisa acquired Deltamune from HL Hall & Sons in 2022, in partnership with the company’s management. 

Since then, Deltamune has expanded its product offerings, entered three new markets, and improved its distribution footprint, achievements that positioned it for a successful exit.

“Our partnership with Deltamune highlights our commitment to fostering innovation that delivers regional and global value,” said Imane El Alaoui, Partner at Phatisa. “This exit exemplifies the potential of local production to enhance food security and pandemic resilience in Africa.”

Deltamune’s Managing Director, Dr. Stefan Swanepoel, credited Phatisa for enabling the company’s transformation. 

“Phatisa’s support has empowered us to broaden our reach and strengthen animal health in the region. With Vaxxinova, we will enhance our capacity to respond to animal health threats,” he said.

Vaxxinova Expands Footprint and Capabilities

Vaxxinova CEO Victor van Solinge welcomed the acquisition, calling it “a perfect cultural, strategic and operational fit.” He added, “In sub-Saharan Africa, the combined companies will offer an enriched portfolio of products and services. We are grateful to Phatisa for allowing us to acquire Deltamune.”

Phatisa and Deltamune were advised by DLA Piper Advisory Services (Pty) Ltd, while Vaxxinova received legal counsel and due diligence support from RSM South Africa and CMS. The transaction is subject to standard regulatory approvals.

The deal builds on Vaxxinova’s broader expansion strategy. In a related move, the company recently acquired Dechra Pharmaceuticals’ Avishield® poultry vaccine portfolio, which includes eight registered products sold in 29 countries and an R&D team based in Zagreb, Croatia. 

Dechra will continue to manufacture and distribute the vaccines for two years as part of the transition.

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