Bend Research parent company Capsugel could be acquired by Swiss pharmaceutical-supply company Lonza Group Ltd.

Lonza on Monday confirmed its interest in acquiring Morristown, New Jersey, Capsugel from KKR & Co., a New York private equity firm. “Lonza confirms that it has expressed a strong interest in this successful company as it would fit perfectly with Lonza’s healthcare continuum strategy and strengthen its position as leading supplier to a number of important healthcare markets,” the company stated in a news release.

Lonza released the statement in response to media reports about the potential acquisition. The Wall Street Journal was first to report on Sunday that Lonza was in final negotiations with KKR for Capsugel.

Lonza’s statement also emphasized that the outcome of discussions is uncertain. “More detailed information will follow in case of any significant developments,” the company stated in its release. Capsugel did not respond to a request for comment.

Lonza has 40 major manufacturing and research-and-development facilities and approximately 9,800 full-time employees around the world. The company headquarters is in Basel, Switzerland, and its stock is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Capsugel, with more than 2,800 employees and facilities across five continents, acquired Bend Research in 2013 for an undisclosed sum.

—Bulletin staff report