Takeda acquires Nycomed

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company has acquired Nycomed for €9.6bn on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

The boards of directors of each company unanimously approved the transaction that is expected to be completed within 90 to 120 days, making it a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda, subject to antitrust clearance. The purchase would exclude Nycomed's US dermatology business.

Takeda said: "This transformational transaction is a strategic fit with Takeda's sustainable growth strategy as it was outlined in its 2011–2013 mid-range plan. Takeda has its strong presence in the Japanese and US markets, while Nycomed has a significant business infrastructure in Europe and high-growth emerging markets that will enhance Takeda's regulatory development expertise and commercialisation capability."

The acquisition includes the roflumilast franchise, a first-in-class treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is expected to be a major source of revenue growth for Takeda.