Amgen in €1.3bn Cork deal talks

A €1.3 billion deal which would create hundreds of jobs in Cork hangs in the balance.

Although discussions are under way between Amgen, the world’s biggest biopharmaceutical company, and IDA Ireland about an expansion to Cork, no deal has yet been finalised.

It is understood that a site in Carrigtwohill is the front-runner for the location of the plant. The company has already carried out a thorough examination of a site in the area but talks are also under way about locations in Switzerland and Singapore.

Talks between senior Irish Government officials and the company are at a very sensitive stage and a decision is imminent.

If Cork is selected, it is expected the board at Amgen will announce in the next few weeks when the building and production of their new facility will commence.

The company confirmed that talks have taken place with the IDA. Amgen spokeswoman Mary Klem said Ireland was on the company’s shortlist as a potential location for a new manufacturing plant.

“Over the past two years, Amgen has evaluated a number of potential global locations, including Ireland, Switzerland and Singapore, to establish a manufacturing plant,” she said.

“Discussions are taking place between Amgen and IDA Ireland regarding a potential Irish location. If a decision is made by Amgen to locate in Ireland, a full announcement will be made.”

She added that it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage.

The IDA, however have refused to comment on the situation. A spokeswoman said: “While we may be in discussions, we don’t have any comment to make at this time.”

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin refused to comment on the possible expansion and said Cork is being actively looked at by many bio-pharma and financial services companies as a possible location.

“We are working with many companies across different sectors and we are constantly seeking to attract investment into Ireland,” he said.

Amgen opened a small sales team in Dublin two years ago, which is used to market its drugs in the Irish market. The company has its headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California and employs 14,000 people. Last year it reported revenues of $10.6 billion. It has operations in many European countries and was last year named as Forbes company of the year.