MaxCyte has agreed to acquire Akron BioProducts from affiliates of Arcline Investment Management for $151.8 million. The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2026, subject to customary conditions.
Akron Bio supplies Good Manufacturing Practice-grade reagents and ancillary materials used across cell therapy manufacturing. Its products include cytokines, growth factors, human plasma-derived materials, specialty media, and other consumables.
The acquisition will expand MaxCyte beyond its historical focus on nonviral cell engineering. Akron’s products are used in both viral and nonviral workflows at stages ranging from cell expansion through cryopreservation.
The combined company’s technologies are incorporated into five commercially approved therapies and support more than 100 clinical programs. Both businesses maintain drug master files referenced in customers’ regulatory submissions, creating long-term connections to validated manufacturing processes.
Akron is expected to produce approximately $28 million in 2026 revenue and between $7 million and $8 million of EBITDA. MaxCyte expects the acquisition to nearly double its revenue base, increase recurring consumables revenue, and accelerate its path toward profitability.
The companies have limited customer overlap despite serving similar biopharmaceutical markets. MaxCyte therefore expects to use its commercial infrastructure to introduce Akron products to additional customers and pursue cross-selling opportunities.
The buyer projects that Akron’s positive cash flow will help reduce the combined company’s annual cash burn to less than $10 million in 2027. MaxCyte expects to hold approximately $40 million to $45 million of cash when the transaction closes.
The consideration consists of $105 million in cash, subject to adjustments, 20,639,733 MaxCyte shares valued at approximately $26.8 million, and $20 million of guaranteed deferred payments. The deferred amount will be paid in two $10 million installments in January 2028 and January 2029.
MaxCyte has also secured a credit facility of up to $75 million from MidCap Financial, consisting of a $55 million term loan and a $20 million revolver. It plans to draw $20 million from the term loan and $2 million from the revolver at closing.
Akron will continue operating under its existing brand, with its management team and employees remaining part of the combined organization.
KEY QUOTES
“The acquisition of Akron marks an exciting new chapter for MaxCyte. This acquisition represents a significant step forward for us, expanding our presence across the viral and non-viral cell therapy development and manufacturing workflow, while projecting to nearly double our revenue base and accelerate our path to profitability. From day one, Akron provides us with an established portfolio of clinical and commercial programs supported by Akron’s DMFs and reagents. By bringing together two highly complementary businesses, we are diversifying our revenue base, increasing our mix of recurring revenue and expanding our exposure to the growth of commercially approved cell therapies, positioning MaxCyte for more durable near- and long-term growth. Like MaxCyte, Akron has become a trusted supplier to leading biopharma companies by delivering differentiated, high-quality products and best-in-class service. Akron is a market leader in the mission-critical consumables required for cell therapy manufacturing, including cytokines, growth factors, human plasma-derived products and media. We are excited to work alongside the talented Akron team as we bring together two companies to deepen customer relationships and better support cell therapy developers from development through commercialization.”
Maher Masoud, President and CEO of MaxCyte
“We are tremendously excited by the opportunity to join these two world-class organizations, leveraging our collective experience and expertise to support our partners as they bring transformative therapies to patients around the world. At Akron, we have always believed in earning our partners’ trust through consistent execution, uncompromising quality, and a deep commitment to the patients they serve. As part of MaxCyte, we remain committed to delivering the quality, reliability, and innovation our partners have come to expect.”
Ezequiel Zylberberg, COO of Akron Bio
“Akron Bio’s success reflects the dedication of its team, and we believe MaxCyte is the best partner to drive continued growth and expand its impact on patients. Our decision to accept MaxCyte shares as part of the consideration reflects our confidence in the combined company’s long-term value and allows us to participate in its future success.”
Arcline Investment Management
