Corporate Strategy Case Study

Novartis: Consolidation in Generics

OR

Abstract:
The case discusses the mega acquisition of two big generic pharmaceutical companies, Hexal AG of Germany and Eon Labs of the United States (US), by the world’s second largest generic pharmaceutical company - Swiss based Novartis (Sandoz, the generic business division of Novartis). The acquisitions created the largest generic pharmaceutical company in the world, in terms of revenue. The case provides a detailed note on the global generic pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on its recent trends. After giving a brief note on Sandoz and the two acquired companies, the case discusses the rationale behind the acquisition and the benefits, which Novartis expected from it. It also explains the acquisition deal in detail and finally, discusses the possible challenges, which Novartis could face in the near future.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the global Pharma industry
• To understand the reasons for growth of Generics
• To discuss about the acquisitions and the expected synergies
• To debate on the challenges that Novartis could face in the generic business.

Keywords : Mergers,Acquisitions,Alliances Case Study;Novartis; Sandoz; Hexal AG; Eon Labs; Pharmaceutical (pharma) industry; Generic drugs; Patented drugs; Acquisition; Intellectual property rights; Blockbuster drug; Big pharma; Cost competitiveness; Extended product portfolio; Vertical integration; Daniel Vasella