Here is a sample of announcements from today alone regarding the pharmaceutical industry in India:
First, UK-based Reckitt Benckiser is acquiring Paras Pharmaceuticals for $726 million. Paras makes a variety of over-the-counter products for pain and cough and cold.
Next, both Merck and Watson Pharma are making it very clear that they are interested in partnerships and acquisitions in India. As Merck’s CEO Kenneth C. Frazier noted,
We are looking at partnerships with Indian firms that have their own R&D and manufacturing capability, where we can take advantage and also bring our innovative capabilities. So, we want a mutually beneficial partnership with local companies.
Lastly, Mumbai-based Sun Pharma is going the other way, by looking for acquisitions in the US.