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LONDON — The investment arm of Novo Nordisk’s parent foundation is buying drug manufacturer Catalent in a $16.5 billion deal, an acquisition that will give Novo additional sites as it builds up production of its booming obesity and diabetes drugs. 

Under the deal, Novo Holdings is purchasing Catalent, a major contract development and manufacturing company with more than 50 sites globally. In turn, Novo Nordisk is buying three of Catalent’s fill-finish sites from the investment group for $11 billion. Novo Holdings manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which has a controlling stake in the pharmaceutical company.

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Catalent has been involved in the production of Novo’s obesity treatment Wegovy. With the agreement, Novo will pick up sites that focus on filling drugs in Italy, Brussels, and Bloomington, Ind. All have already been doing work for Novo. 

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