Roche announced that its ownership stake in Chugai will increase from 50.1% to 59.9% following the successful completion of the tender offer which started on 23 May. Chugai shareholders had the opportunity to tender their shares at a price of Yen 1,730 per share, which reflects a premium of 11.7% over Chugaiâs share price of Yen 1,549 at the close of trading on 21 May 2008. The transaction is based on Rocheâs right to increase its stake to 59.9% at any time after the 5th anniversary of its alliance with Chugai, which was formed in October 2002.
About Chugai
Chugai Pharmaceutical, specialized in prescription pharmaceuticals and based in Tokyo, is one of Japan's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies with strengths in biotechnology products. Since the start of the strategic alliance with Roche in October 2002, Chugai has been actively involved in prescription pharmaceutical R&D activities in Japan and abroad as an important member of the Roche Group. Specifically, Chugai is working to develop innovative products with global applications, focusing on the disease areas of oncology, renal disease, and bone and joint. In Japan, Chugaiâs research facilities in Gotemba and Kamakura are collaborating to develop new pharmaceuticals and Ukima is conducting research for technology development for industrial production. Overseas, Chugai Pharma USA and Chugai Pharma Europe are engaged in clinical development activities in the United States and Europe. The consolidated sales in 2007 of Chugai totalled 344.8 billion yen and the operating profit was 66.7 billion yen.
About Roche
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the worldâs leading research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As the worldâs biggest biotech company and an innovator of products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving peopleâs health and quality of life. Roche is the world leader in in-vitro diagnostics and drugs for cancer and transplantation, and is a market leader in virology. It is also active in other major therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory and metabolic disorders and diseases of the central nervous system. In 2007 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totalled 36.8 billion Swiss francs, and the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 9.3 billion francs. Roche has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai, and invested over 8 billion Swiss francs in R&D in 2007. Worldwide, the Group employs about 79,000 people. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.roche.com.