The acquisition of Capsugel, a drug capsule-maker owned by private equity giant KKR, by the Swiss pharmaceuticals firm Lonza Group for $5.5 billion caps the best year for European companies acquiring US rivals since 2000.

Lonza, which was advised by US investment bank Jefferies on the deal, is aiming to beef up its drug-delivery capabilities with the acquisition of Capsugel, which specialises in capsules.