Galderma acquires Spirig

Published: 14-Dec-2012

Expanding its offering in dermatological products


Galderma Pharma, a Swiss specialist pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology products, has agreed to buy Spirig Pharma, a developer of derma-cosmetic products.

Spirig, also based in Switzerland, makes products to treat conditions such as solar damage and skin barrier function impairment, as well as products to prevent pre-cancerous conditions. The firm generated sales of CHF98.4m in 2011. Its brands include Daylong for sun protection and Excipial for the care of dry, sensitive skin. It supplies dermatologists, GPs and pharmacies.

Financial details of the transaction were not revealed.

‘With this acquisition, Galderma will become the dermatology market leader in Switzerland, our home country. Additionally, with our global presence, we will be able to make Spirig’s outstanding products available to a larger number of patients around the world,’ said Humberto Antunes, chief executive of Galderma.

With this acquisition, Galderma will become the dermatology market leader in Switzerland

‘Galderma fulfils all the stringent criteria we set when we started looking for a new owner,’ added Beat Sägesser, chief executive of Spirig. ‘Becoming part of Galderma will provide Spirig with the ideal conditions in which to develop and take its business to a new level and provide new opportunities for our employees.’

Galderma intends to use Spirig’s Egerkingen location as headquarters to its Swiss operations and as a centre of excellence. Its global corporate headquarters will remain in Lausanne. The transaction is expected to close in early 2013.

We are excited about our two companies‘ commercial and geographic opportunities

‘We are excited about our two companies’ commercial and geographic opportunities, maximising the value of our complementary product portfolios in the prescription and self-medication markets,’ said Albert Draaijer, Galderma’s VP, Business Development and Markets, who also leads Galderma’s Self-Medication and Aesthetic and Corrective businesses.

Founded in 1981, Galderma reported sales of approximately CHF1.6bn in 2011. The company employs 4,000 people and its portfolio is available in 70 countries. Its products treat a range of skin conditions including: acne, rosacea, onychomycosis, psoriasis & steroid-responsive dermatoses, pigmentary disorders, skin cancer and medical solutions for skin senescence.

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