Strides Pharma International AG, a step‑down subsidiary of Bengaluru-based Strides Pharma Science, has entered into definitive agreements with Sandoz AG, Switzerland and its group entities for the acquisition and in‑licensing of a portfolio of branded generic products across sub‑Saharan Africa.
The initial consideration for the transaction is $12 million, payable at closing and is expected to be funded through internal accruals, Strides said in a statement. The transaction is expected to be EPS‑accretive, supported by profitable branded sales, synergy realisation, and improved operating leverage.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of Q2 FY27 (quarter ending September 2026), subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and antitrust approvals in applicable jurisdictions.
“This acquisition represents a significant milestone for our ‘in Africa for Africa’ strategy,” said Aditya Kumar, Executive Director, Business Development, Strides. “Africa is one of the fastest-growing geographies for us, and this transaction more than doubles our presence in the region, giving us the size and scale to accelerate our momentum, deepen market penetration, and further consolidate our leadership across key therapeutic areas,” he added.
The agreement spans four key markets including Western Sahara (covering 10 countries), Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. The branded generics portfolio of Sandoz, as a part of this deal, includes multiple brands across anti‑infective, cardiovascular, and dermatology therapeutic segments. Several of these products individually deliver annual sales exceeding $1 million.
The transaction includes a portfolio comprising products that are being fully acquired by Strides, as well as select products that Strides will continue to market on behalf of Sandoz.
To ensure the uninterrupted availability of these critical brands, Strides will also enter into a manufacturing and supply agreement with Sandoz for their continued production and supply, the statement noted.
With the combined strength of Strides’ existing business and the branded portfolio being acquired from Sandoz, Strides is expected to become one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the sub‑Saharan Africa region by sales and among the top two players in the representable market.
“This investment is aligned with our long‑term strategy, under which ex‑US markets are expected to evolve to mirror the scale of our US business within a couple of years. The combined portfolio strengthens our market position by enhancing our overall visibility in retail pharmacy and substantially increasing the depth and breadth of our offerings across the hospital network,” said Kumar.
Source: Economic Times