Torrent Pharma set to acquire JB Chemicals

Deal to facilitate Torrent's entry into contract development, manufacturing

- Jessica Jani

Ahmedabad-based drugmaker Torrent Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire a controlling stake in JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals (JB Pharma) from global investment firm KKR, at an equity valuation of ₹25,689 crore. The deal will be followed by a merger of the two entities, the company announced on Sunday evening.

The deal will strengthen Torrent's presence in the Indian market, as well as facilitate its entry into the fast-growing contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) segment. Torrent will acquire a 46.39% equity stake (on a fully diluted basis) in JB Pharma through a share purchase agreement for ₹11,917 crore, followed by a mandatory open offer to acquire up to 26% of the company's shares from public shareholders, at an open offer price of ₹1,639.18 per share. Torrent also intends to acquire up to 2.80% of equity shares from certain employees of JB Pharma at the same share price as KKR, the company said in a release.