Takeda to Buy Brazilian Pharmaceutical Company Multilab

Takeda Pharmaceutical (Osaka, Japan), Asia’s largest drugmaker, has agreed to buy Multilab Industria e Comercio de Productos Farmaceuticos (Multilab; Sao Jeronimo, Brazil), in a move intended to enhance its business infrastructure in Brazil.

The acquisition of Multilab for USD 246 million will position Takeda as one of the top ten pharmaceutical companies in Brazil. Multilab has well established distribution through regional wholesalers and small to mid-sized independent pharmacies, in particular in emerging regions of the country, which is expected to complement Takeda’s strong relationships with major wholesalers, retail chains, and pharmacies in more established cities and state capitals. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of September 2012.

Takeda already has an established presence in Brazil, manufacturing and marketing both prescription drugs as well as well-known brands such as the analgesic Neosaldina, the digestive Eparema, and Nebacetin, an antibacterial product. Multilab’s leading products include Multigrip, the country’s best selling over the counter (OTC) product for cold and flu treatment, which Takeda believes will be an excellent addition to its existing OTC product line in Brazil.

“This acquisition significantly reinforces Takeda’s position in Brazil, which is the world’s sixth largest economy and the biggest in South America,” said Jostein Davidsen, head of emerging markets commercial operations for Takeda. “Takeda has ambitious plans for growth in emerging markets. Brazil is our second largest emerging market after Russia/CIS in terms of revenues, and the acquisition of Multilab is a clear signal of our intention to become a significant player both in Brazil and other high-growth markets.”

“Multilab will benefit from becoming part of the Takeda group, enabling the company to reinforce its market position and reach more patients with its key products in Brazil,” said Hilton Cavedon, executive director of Multilab.

Related Links:
Takeda Pharmaceutical
Multilab Industria e Comercio de Productos Farmaceuticos