Danone close to €180m deal for Indian nutrition firm?
The Economic Times said the French dairy giant was set to step in and buy the division which had almost passed into the hands of Abbott Laboratories for €90m in 2009, before Wockhardt investors kyboshed the deal at the last moment in the Indian High Court.
According to The Economic Times Wockhardt recommitted to selling the division this year with Abbott again interested along with Pfizer and Danone.
But Danone refused to comment on the speculation.
Wockhardt is heavily invested in the paediatric sector with brands like Nusobee, Farex, and Dexolac infant formulas, a Farex weaning cereal and a food supplement range for adults called Protinex.
The Times said Danone was particularly interested in the sub-division Dumex India, which makes Farex and Protinex, and which Wockhardt bought from the Dutch firm, Royal Numico which Danone now owns. Complan Last month, Danone,via its Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition division , acquired nutritional supplements manufacturer Complan Food UK for an undisclosed sum. Nutricia said the deal represented, “a significant commitment to support our vision of medical nutrition for all who need it.” “The brand has proven healthcare professional endorsement and provides both entry into the pharmacy retail sector and complements our existing reimbursed range.” |
