Key insights and value levers to maximise CDMO performance

Sector overview – A growing stream in Europe

The pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by increasing demand for specialised services across drug development, production, and packaging. This shift is fuelled by the rise of innovative therapies and the growing complexity of pharmaceutical pipelines. To stay competitive, CDMOs must continuously invest in expertise, infrastructure, and cutting-edge technologies to meet evolving industry needs.

Focusing on the European market, some key figures highlight this evolution:

• Sales Revenue: The European CDMO market is valued at 36 billion euros in 2025 and is expected to reach 67 billion euros by 2034. It represented 23% of global pharmaceutical sales in 2023.
• Market Volume: Europe’s pharmaceutical outsourcing sector is supported by 337 CDMOs and 552 Finished Dosage Form (FDF) facilities in 2025.
• Attractivity: since 2020, the number of CDMO European deals exceeded a 100, with a peak in 2021 with 34 deals due to the increasing demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but still 15 deals in 2024, channelling investments toward innovation, specialisation, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

In our latest whitepaper, beyond an analysis of the sector’s economic situation, we share Eight Advisory’s value levers:

◇ Revenue Growth

Revenue growth can be driven by key strategies such as integrated end-to-end services, early partnerships and strategic investments, and a flexible production that adapts to market trends and biotech opportunities.

◇ Cost Optimisation

Cost optimisation includes effective management of capacity utilisation and the location portfolio as well as a resilient supply chain.

◇ Innovation and Compliance

While digital transformation with AI can help CDMO to optimise their processes, improve their adaptability and increase their long-term success, navigating complex regulatory requirements is crucial for CDMOs, especially when it comes to drug approval and environmental standards.

Read here our full white paper and find out how our team, specialised in the healthcare industry, can provide financial, operational and strategic advisory services.