BY Fraser Tennant
In a deal intended to bolster its role as a leading global dermatology company and achieve its goal of helping 125 million patients by 2025, multinational Danish pharmaceutical company Leo Pharma has acquired German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company Bayer AG’s global prescription dermatology portfolio.
Bayer’s portfolio includes branded topical prescription treatments for acne, fungal skin infections and rosacea, as well as a range of topical steroids with an annual turnover in 2017 of more than €280m. The definitive agreement will enable Leo Pharma to expand significantly in key markets worldwide and broaden its therapeutic areas.
The transaction does not include Bayer's over-the-counter dermatology portfolio of brands.
“We are very excited about this agreement,” said Gitte P. Aabo, president and chief executive of Leo Pharma. “With the strong prescription dermatology brands and new colleagues from Bayer, we will broaden our treatment range and considerably enhance our size in key markets around the world – underlining our ambition to be a preferred partner in medical dermatology.” Approximately 450 people will join Leo Pharma as part of the transaction.
“We are very pleased to have found a good partner in Leo Pharma, which has a long history as a leader in scientific advancement and a culture that values discovery and innovation,” said Heiko Schipper, a member of Bayer’s board of management and president of consumer health. “With the dedicated support of many employees to whom we are grateful, our prescription dermatology business has grown well since becoming part of Bayer AG in 2006.”
The acquisition is expected to close in two steps. First, during 2018 for the US, and second, during the second half of 2019 for all other markets. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approval by the competition authorities.
The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Mr Schipper concluded: “Moving forward, we believe that Leo Pharma is the right owner to grow and further the prescription dermatology business, while enabling Bayer to focus on building its core over-the counter brands”.
News: Bayer sells prescription dermatology brands to Denmark's Leo Pharma