GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) has acquired Laboratorios Phoenix S.A.C.yF ('Phoenix'), a leading Argentine pharmaceutical business, for a cash consideration of approximately $253 million. Under the terms of the transaction, GSK will gain full ownership of Phoenix in a move to accelerate sales growth and further extend its pharmaceutical portfolio in Argentina and the Latin America region.
Commenting on the agreement Abbas Hussain, President Emerging Markets GSK said: "This is an important step forward in our strategy to grow our business in Latin America; a key group of emerging markets for GSK. By acquiring Phoenix, we will rapidly expand our presence in the fast growing Argentine market. In addition, Phoenix's broad portfolio and rich pipeline of branded generics will enable us to bring more medicines of value to patients in Argentina."
Under the terms of the agreement GSK will gain access to a broad portfolio of branded generic pharmaceutical products covering therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, gastroenterology, metabolic and urology, as well as a manufacturing facility near Buenos Aires and Phoenix's established primary care salesforce. In addition, GSK will acquire an extensive local pipeline of branded generics and product development capability in Argentina.
Following the acquisition, GSK Argentina and Phoenix will stay as two separate legal entities and Phoenix will continue to be called Laboratorios Phoenix S.A.C.yF.
Argentina, recently identified by IMS as one of the important third tier 'pharmerging' markets after BRICMT, is the eighth largest market in Emerging Markets, with a total market value of $3 billion and the third highest growth rate at 22%.
GSK Argentina reported total sales of approximately £100 million in 2009 across its pharmaceuticals, vaccines and consumer healthcare businesses. It is currently positioned number 14 in the Argentine pharmaceutical market with IMS reported sales of £56 million.
Phoenix reported sales of approximately £70 million in 2009 and it is currently ranked number eight in the Argentine pharmaceutical market, according to IMS.
Combined, GSK Argentina and Phoenix would currently rank third in the Argentine pharmaceutical market.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.
About Phoenix
Phoenix is a leading Argentine pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of branded generic products.
Phoenix has been established for more than 70 years in the Argentine market and has a broad based portfolio covering the cardiology, gastroenterology, neuroscience, metabolic, urology and analgesic therapy areas.