In a significant announcement for the Chicagoland business community, Vantive, the newly spun-off kidney care company from Baxter International, has confirmed it will establish its U.S. headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois. This $23 million investment is more than just a corporate reshuffling; it’s a strong signal that Deerfield, Lake County, and greater Chicagoland continue to be critical players in the future of healthcare, life sciences, and office space innovation.
Following its spinout from Baxter, Vantive evaluated potential locations for its headquarters and ultimately chose to remain in Deerfield, investing heavily to expand its office facilities and pharmacy operations. The project is expected to create at least 50 new full-time jobs.
Chris Toth, Vantive’s CEO, cited several key reasons for the decision, including access to a deep pool of healthcare talent, a strong regional life sciences ecosystem, and robust support from Illinois’ economic development agencies. The move also underscores the company’s focus on building a culture of innovation and collaboration—something that a strong physical headquarters can uniquely foster.
At a time when many companies are reconsidering their office footprints, Vantive’s decision affirms the continued relevance of high-quality office space in Deerfield, particularly for innovation-driven industries like healthcare and life sciences.
Deerfield has long been recognized as one of suburban Chicago’s premier business hubs, home to corporations such as Walgreens Boots Alliance, Caterpillar, and Baxter International. Vantive’s commitment reinforces Deerfield’s position as a destination for companies seeking best-in-class office environments paired with access to a highly skilled workforce.
The office market in Deerfield—and Lake County more broadly—has remained more resilient than other suburban submarkets. Companies that prioritize innovation, collaboration, and proximity to research universities and healthcare talent continue to find strategic value here.
Vantive’s investment reflects a broader trend: for certain sectors, especially life sciences and healthcare, thoughtfully located office space is not a relic of the past—it’s a critical asset for growth.
Perhaps even more significant is what this move signals for the life sciences sector in Lake County and Chicagoland.
Lake County is the undisputed leader in Illinois’ life sciences industry. It’s home to approximately 51% of Illinois’ total life sciences activity, according to data from Lake County Partners. The region hosts over 160 life sciences companies, ranging from global giants like AbbVie, Abbott, and Baxter to a growing cluster of biotech startups.
Beyond the sheer number of companies, Lake County offers a dynamic ecosystem that includes:
A highly educated and specialized workforce
Proximity to major research universities and teaching hospitals
Strong infrastructure investments
Business-friendly local and state government support
Lake County Partners and other economic development agencies have worked hard to cultivate a thriving environment for life sciences, and it’s paying off. Companies that choose to invest here benefit from unmatched access to talent, resources, and a collaborative business community.
Vantive’s Deerfield move is part of a larger story unfolding across Chicagoland: the growth and evolution of the region’s healthcare, biotech, and life sciences sectors.
As companies reassess their operational footprints post-pandemic, the Chicago metro area is increasingly seen as a stable, strategic alternative to traditional coastal hubs. With its lower costs, strong transportation networks, deep labor pool, and high quality of life, Chicagoland is becoming a magnet for innovation-driven industries looking for both scale and sustainability.
The office space market in Chicagoland—particularly for healthcare, life sciences, and R&D users—continues to show strength in key submarkets like Deerfield, Bannockburn, and Lake Forest. Vantive’s headquarters investment will only add to the momentum.
Vantive’s decision to establish its U.S. headquarters in Deerfield is more than a corporate relocation; it’s a strategic move that underscores both Deerfield’s and Chicagoland’s strengths in healthcare innovation, office space, and life sciences infrastructure. As the sector continues to evolve, Deerfield stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
This decision also reinforces Lake County’s standing as one of the nation’s premier life sciences clusters. Home to over 160 companies and roughly half of Illinois’ life sciences employment, Lake County offers the infrastructure, workforce, and environment companies need to grow.
Interested in learning more about life sciences opportunities in Chicagoland—or how your organization can grow here?
Connect with our Life Sciences Team today to start a conversation.
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