Global healthcare products major Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has acquired the ORSL ready-to-drink electrolyte brand from Jagdale Healthcare, as per a press release. Financial details of the aforesaid transaction however remained undisclosed but media reports pegged the transaction value at around Rs 700-750 crore, citing sources.
Jagdale Health Care is part of Bangalore-based diversified Jagdale Industries which is into food, healthcare, plantation and related businesses. In healthcare, the group also has Juggat Pharma.
Its star product is ORSL, which is a fruit-based electrolyte drink, useful for electrolytes restoration during mild dehydration and general disability, often following cough & cold, pain, fever and other digestive conditions.
ORSL is positioned as world’s first natural fruit juice based electrolyte energy drink. This is offered in four variants. Another product of the firm is RS-L for irritable bowel syndrome.
“India is a very important market for Johnson & Johnson and we are pleased to add the ORSL brand to our portfolio of consumer health care brands in India,” Thibaut Mongon, group chairman, Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies Asia Pacific, said.
“This acquisition will allow us to expand our consumer health care offerings in line with our vision of helping consumers lead healthy vibrant lives,” he added.
Founded in 1886 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the US, Johnson & Johnson spread its roots into India in 1947 and in 1948, started marketing its baby powder which was manufactured by a local company, British Drug House, in Mumbai.
It employs more than 2,000 people in India with businesses spanning consumer, medical devices & diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and vision care.
Globally, OTC is the largest contributor to the consumer business of Johnson & Johnson. In India OTC franchise is present in various segments with strong brands which include Benadryl for respiratory health and Nicorette for tobacco cessation. It also has other consumer healthcare brands such as Splenda low calorie sweetener and Listerine mouthwash.
