Sanofi-Aventis completes acquisition of Zentiva

2010-02-01

Sanofi-Aventis has completed the acquisition process pertaining to Zentiva, the prominent Czech generic drug producer. Josef Valenta, the general manager of Sanofi-Aventis Zentiva, has said at a press conference that the company’s share of the Slovak market is now 30% in terms of volume and 13.4% in terms of value, making it the largest player on the Slovak pharmaceutical market. The merged company intends to invest further in its growth, with plans to strengthen its position on the Russian market.
According to Hospodarske Noviny, Mr Valenta also confirmed that, from March 2010 onwards, Zentiva will manufacture generic Viagra at its Slovak plant in the town of Hlohovec. The generic drug will be marketed under the name Vigrande in two doses, containing 50 mg or 100 mg of sildenafil. In 2010 the Hlohovec plant will begin to produce other new products, including medicines for hypertension, depression and cardiac arrhythmia.
Zentiva’s acquisition by Sanofi-Aventis commenced in February 2009. Sanofi issued a purchase offer for Zentiva’s shares worth CZK 1,150 (€44) per share. In March 2009 Sanofi became the main shareholder, acquiring 37.8 million, or 96.4%, of Zentiva’s shares.