Nycomed to acquire local portfolio from Sanofi-Aventis and Zentiva

Switzerland-headquartered Nycomed has agreed with French drug major Sanofi-Aventis and its subsidiary Zentiva to purchase 20 branded generic products in several Central and Eastern European countries. The agreement, financial termsof which were not disclosed, will notably strengthen Nycomed's market position in particular in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The transaction received approvals from the European Commission and the Czech Antimonopoly Office, and it is expected to be closed in September 2009.

In an asset transfer transaction, Nycomed will purchase a portfolio of branded generic products in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Estonia, and Bulgaria, with a total annual turnover of approximately 17 million euros ($11.9 million). Nycomed will also assume production in the coming years. Both parties agreed not to disclose further details on the transaction.

Among the acquired products is Zentiva's well established hypnotic Hypnogen (zolpidem) brand in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic and Estonia.
In the Czech Republic, the acquisition comprises a strong franchise of beta-blockers (Vasocardin, Betaxa, and Tenoloc), which will strengthen Nycomed's well established cardiovascular business around Ebrantil (urapidil). Among the other acquired products in this country are brands like Trental, Flavobion, and Ercefuryl.