Our Journey
Building a Pharmaceutical Group for the Long Term
Since 2003, Crescent has grown from a UK generic medicines business into a broader pharmaceutical group with capabilities spanning development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, supply chain management and pharmaceutical distribution. That development has been shaped by sustained investment, strategic acquisitions and the progressive addition of new capabilities in the UK and internationally. Each stage has strengthened the Group's ability to develop, manufacture and supply medicines while building greater flexibility and resilience across its operations.
Crescent Pharma Founded
Crescent Pharma was established in Hampshire in 2003, marking the beginning of what would become Crescent Pharmaceutical Group.
Starting as a generic medicines business, Crescent began building its pharmaceutical portfolio and establishing the commercial, regulatory and supply capabilities that would support its long-term growth.
Investing in Distribution Capacity
As Crescent's medicines portfolio and UK business grew, the Group invested in additional distribution infrastructure through the acquisition of a warehouse in Andover.
The additional capacity supported increased pharmaceutical stockholding and provided the infrastructure needed to serve a growing customer base and product portfolio.
Building a Wider UK Distribution Network
Crescent further increased its distribution capacity through the acquisition of a second warehouse in Barnsley.
Together with Andover, the site supported Crescent through a period of significant portfolio and volume growth and formed an important part of the Group's developing UK pharmaceutical distribution network.
Adding UK Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Crescent added UK pharmaceutical manufacturing capability through the acquisition of its manufacturing operation in London.
The investment represented an important development in the Group's strategy, adding manufacturing infrastructure and expertise alongside Crescent's established pharmaceutical supply activities.
Establishing a European Presence
Crescent International was established in Malta, creating a dedicated European presence for the Group and supporting its longer-term international expansion.
The operation provided a platform from which Crescent could develop its regulatory and commercial presence in European markets while drawing upon the wider development, manufacturing and supply capabilities of the Group.
A New Headquarters for a Growing Group
As Crescent continued to grow, the Group relocated its headquarters from Overton to larger premises in Basingstoke, Hampshire.
The move provided additional corporate infrastructure to support the expanding organisation and the continued development of Crescent's pharmaceutical operations.
Adding Specialist Manufacturing Capability
Crescent acquired Thorpe Laboratories, adding further specialist pharmaceutical manufacturing capability to the Group.
The acquisition broadened Crescent's manufacturing capabilities into liquids, creams, gels, powders and unlicensed Specials, adding flexible manufacturing expertise to the Group's growing UK operations.
Strengthening UK Manufacturing Capability
The acquisition of Crescent Medical further strengthened the Group's UK pharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure.
The operation added solid-dose and liquid manufacturing capability, increasing the range of medicines that could be manufactured within the Group and broadening Crescent's UK manufacturing base.
Building Global In-House Manufacturing Capability
Crescent expanded its international pharmaceutical capabilities through the acquisition of Crescent R&D, adding further in-house development and manufacturing capability to the Group.
The investment strengthened solid-dose manufacturing capacity alongside pharmaceutical development and laboratory expertise, creating additional routes through which products can progress from development towards commercial manufacture.
Advancing In-House Pharmaceutical Development
Crescent further strengthened its global pharmaceutical capabilities through the acquisition of Zhaveri Pharmakem.
The investment added further formulation, analytical and product development expertise alongside pharmaceutical manufacturing and technology transfer capability, increasing the Group's ability to support products from development through to commercial manufacture.
Investing in the Future of UK Distribution
Crescent opened its National Distribution Centre in Sheffield, representing a major investment in the Group's UK pharmaceutical distribution infrastructure.
The facility consolidates Crescent's distribution operations into a larger, more advanced site designed to support the continued growth of the Group's medicines portfolio and the reliable supply of products across the UK.
With capacity for up to 72,000 pallets, full temperature control, semi-automated racking and a barcoded warehouse management system, the facility provides significantly increased capacity alongside the infrastructure required to support efficient inventory management and continuity of supply. The investment represents the latest stage in the evolution of Crescent's UK distribution network, building on more than a decade of investment in pharmaceutical warehousing and creating the capacity to support the Group's future growth.
UK Expertise. Global Capability.
More than two decades of investment have transformed the breadth and depth of Crescent's pharmaceutical capabilities. Today, Crescent Pharmaceutical Group brings together complementary operations across the UK and internationally, supported by carefully selected strategic pharmaceutical partners.
UK Manufacturing
Pharmaceutical manufacturing operations across multiple UK sites provide in-house capability across a broad range of dosage forms.
Global In-House Development
Formulation, analytical and product development capabilities support the continued development and expansion of the Group's medicines portfolio.
Global In-House Manufacturing
International manufacturing operations provide additional capacity, capability and flexibility within Crescent's wider manufacturing network.
Strategic Pharmaceutical Partners
Qualified contract development and manufacturing partners complement Crescent's in-house capabilities, providing additional expertise, capacity and alternative supply routes.
Quality & Regulatory Expertise
Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Regulatory Affairs capabilities support products throughout development, manufacture, licensing and commercial supply.
UK Distribution Infrastructure
Substantial pharmaceutical warehousing and the National Distribution Centre in Sheffield support medicine stockholding, inventory management and reliable distribution.
Commercial & Supply Operations
Crescent's commercial, procurement and supply chain teams connect these capabilities with pharmacies, hospitals, wholesalers and healthcare providers in the UK and international markets.
Continuing to Invest in Medicines and Supply
Crescent's history has been defined by continued investment in medicines, people, pharmaceutical capability and infrastructure.
The Group continues to invest in product development, manufacturing, quality systems, technology, supply chain resilience and distribution capacity as it prepares for the next stage of its development. By combining UK expertise, global in-house capability and carefully managed strategic partnerships, Crescent is building the infrastructure and pharmaceutical capabilities required to support a growing medicines portfolio and dependable long-term supply to healthcare providers.