Dr Reddy’s agrees to buy select UCB brands in India for $128m

UCB’s established products business will cover the territories of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

The acquisition of UCB’s existing established brands in India, including its franchises in the areas of dermatology, respiratory and pediatrics diseases will further strengthen Dr Reddy’s presence into these growing areas.

Dr Reddy’s senior vice-president and India business head Alok Sonig said: "The acquired UCB portfolio shall accelerate Dr Reddy’s presence in the high growth areas of Dermatology, Respiratory and Pediatrics with market leading brands like Atarax, Nootropil, Zyrtec, Xyzal, Xyzal M etc. We welcome UCB’s employees to our growing global team."

The deal is in line with UCB’s strategy to provide the best value for patients and to focus on bringing new drugs while ensuring its mature brands portfolio continues to reach as many people as possible.

UCB chief operating officer Mark McDade said: "UCB is in a strong position with a solid platform for continuous growth thanks to our core products and our promising pipeline.

"This position allows us to enhance our focus on our key neurology portfolio in India, providing innovative solutions to patients living with severe diseases."

The transaction, which is expected to be closed in the first quarter of the financial year 2015-16, includes the transfer of around 350 employees engaged in operations of UCB’s India business and the revenue of the acquired business was INR1.5bn ($24m) for calendar year 2014.

Image: The acquisition of some UCB India business will strengthen Dr. Reddy’s presence in dermatology, respiratory and paediatrics. Photo: courtesy of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.