Acino to acquire Cephalon’s(Mepha) Middle East and African business

Basle, October 14, 2011, 12.30 hrs — Acino and Cephalon Inc. have today entered into an agreement under which Acino will acquire Cephalon’s combined Middle East and African business for a total consideration of approximately EUR 80 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Acino will pay EUR 60 million in cash and EUR 20 million through the issuance of shares from authorized capital (calculated at the average share price on the day prior to the closing of the transaction). Acino expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive.
The business to be acquired, which includes Cephalon and Mepha brands, is expected to generate sales of close to EUR 100 million in 2011. The well established product portfolio comprises leading brands including the analgesic Olfen (diclofenac), the antispasmotic Spasfon (phloroglucinol/trimethylphloroglucinol), the gastrointestinal drug Gasec (omeprazole) and the antibiotic Mesporin (ceftriaxone).
Through this transaction, Acino makes a quantum leap towards establishing its own market presence in emerging markets. Peter Burema, Acino’s CEO, stated; “This is a game-changing acquisition for our company and underpins our commitment to building Acino’s own market presence in up-and-coming economies. The acquired products ideally complement our own portfolio. The Mepha legacy, built on its Swiss heritage, will live on through this acquisition by Acino, also headquartered in Switzerland and committed to the same high quality standards”.
Over the last 18 months, Acino’s Management has refined its growth strategy to focus on three complementary business pillars: selling the products it develops through its partners in the developed markets, establishing its own market presence under its“Acino Switzerland” brand in emerging markets, and entering into development programs with innovative pharmaceutical companies based on its expertise in drug delivery technology.
About Cephalon / Mepha
Cephalon is an international biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and bringing to market medications for difficult to treat and rare conditions. Since its inception in 1987, Cephalon has brought first-in-class and best-in-class medicines to patients around the world in several therapeutic areas. Swiss-based pharmaceutical company Mepha, a subsidiary of Cephalon, develops and manufactures its products in Aesch/Basel (Switzerland) with a strong focus on Swiss-quality standards. Through partnerships, Mepha markets its products in other European countries, in the Middle East, Africa, South and Central America as well as in Asia.
For more information visit www.cephalon.com or www.mepha.com .
Acino – Delivering Health
Acino Pharma Ltd. (SIX: ACIN), a Swiss-based pharmaceutical company, develops and manufactures generic and innovative pharmaceuticals using advanced drug delivery technologies, for which it also holds patents. With a focus on sophisticated oral dosage forms with modified release of the active ingredient, transdermal therapeutic patches and biodegradable, subcutaneous implants, Acino supplies leading pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Acino offers the pharmaceutical industry a comprehensive range of services from product development and registration to sourcing, contract manufacturing, packaging and logistics. The Acino Group is headquartered in Basle (Switzerland), currently employs 443 staff and generated annual revenues of EUR 128 million in 2010.