Zhito Finance and Economics APP has learned, according to insiders, private equity firm Triton Partners is considering acquiring the German biotechnology company Evotec (EVO.US). Previously, this company has become one of the largest shareholders of Evotec.

Insiders indicate that this investment firm has been seeking meetings with Evotec executives to discuss potential acquisition matters. According to the latest U.S. regulatory filings, Triton increased its stake in Evotec to 9.99% last week through a series of transactions.

If Triton wishes to increase its shareholding to 10% or more, it will need approval for foreign investment. Any significant actions would require support from other major shareholders of Evotec, including pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk (NVO.US) parent company Novo Holdings A/S and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company.

Since the beginning of this year, Evotec's stock price has fallen by 56%, with a company valuation of approximately 1.7 billion euros (1.8 billion U.S. dollars). In June, reports indicated that concerns about a possible acquisition led to discussions with advisors. On Monday, the company's stock rose by 24% on the European stock market, marking the largest single-day increase in nearly four years. Pre-market trading on Monday saw the stock rise by approximately 18%.

Insiders state that discussions are still ongoing, and Triton may decide not to make any formal offers. A representative from Triton declined to comment. An Evotec spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Evotec's website shows that the company engages in drug discovery projects with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in areas such as cardiovascular diseases, oncology, and immunology.

Christian Wojczewski, the CEO who joined Evotec in July, stated during a phone earnings call last week that his task is to rebuild trust and provide clear and reliable information to investors. The former CEO, Werner Lanthaler, resigned due to personal reasons. The company later mentioned that Lanthaler failed to report stock trades in a timely manner, and clarified that this oversight was unrelated to his departure.

According to Triton's website, the company has raised over 18 billion Euros through its private equity and credit investment strategies. It focuses on investing in European companies in business services, industrial technology, and healthcare sectors. In 2022, this acquisition company acquired Clinigen Group, a professional pharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom.