Hyderabad-based Aurobindo Pharma Ltd has emerged as the highest bidder for acquisition of American nutritional supplement maker, Natrol Inc and other affiliate entities (Natrol). It bid $132.5 million (Rs 815 crore) to buy Natrol, which is under bankruptcy protection.
Natrol Inc. manufactures and sells nutritional supplements in the US and select international markets. It offers branded products including vitamins, minerals and supplements; diet and weight management products; sports nutrition products; products and formulas for hair, skin, and nails.
Natrol’s portfolio of brands includes Natrol, MRI, Prolab, Laci Le Beau, Promensil, Trinovin, Nu Hair and Shen Min.
Aurobindo said Natrol makes for a strategic fit and provides the right platform for creating a fully integrated OTC platform in the US and in other international markets.
Barclays acted as the sole financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP acted as the legal counsel to Aurobindo USA.
Earlier this year, Aurobindo signed a binding offer to acquire loss-making commercial operations of Dublin-headquartered Actavis Plc in seven European countries for €30 million ($40.6 million or Rs 221 crore).
Aurobindo has been increasing its API portfolio and active in acquiring firms in India. Last year, it acquired Hyacinths Pharma, an Andhra Pradesh-based manufacturer of APIs, for an undisclosed amount. In another transaction, it had acquired the remaining 25 per cent stake in Silicon Life Sciences Pvt Ltd. It also struck a deal to acquire majority stake in an upcoming manufacturing unit of Celon Labs.
In the past it has also snapped firms like Hyderabad-based contract research firm Trident Life Sciences Ltd.
(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)
