Graziano Seghezzi tells Unquote that after Apollo deal, "We will continue to build on our strategy"

Rachel Lewis of Unquote was among those characterizing Sofinnova Partners' deal with Apollo as part of a trend, saying Apollo was "becoming the latest large ticket house to swoop into life sciences."

But she was quick to point out that unlike Carlyle's purchase of Abingworth or the LSP purchase of EQT, there was never any chance Sofinnova Partners would be bought in full.

"We are the largest independent platform in Europe and we wanted to remain as such," Managing Partner Graziano Seghezzi told the reporter. "The coming together of private equity and venture capital is a very important movement for our industry, to grow we wanted to be in sync with that macro movement."

Seghezzi added that Sofinnova Partners would retain its culture and independence — as well as its Paris headquarters.

"We are not going to change our strategy," Seghezzi said. "We wanted to retain our business model, our business plan, and our operations. We will continue to build on our strategy."