Novartis has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the specialty generic injectables business of EBEWE Pharma. The proposed move is learnt to provide Sandoz, Novartis' generic pharmaceuticals division, an opportunity to create a strong global platform for future growth while improving access for patients worldwide to many generic oncology medicines.

Under terms of the agreement, Novartis will acquire this business for EUR 925 million (USD 1.2 billion) in cash. Excluded from this transaction is EBEWE Pharma's separate injectable neurological products business.

As part of Sandoz, which is the world's second-largest generics company, this portfolio of oncology medicines can be expanded thanks to Sandoz's broad global presence. Several of EBEWE Pharma's products - including paclitaxel, epirubicin, methotrexate, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, doxorubicin and gemcitabine - are essential components of standard-of-care guidelines for treating many types of cancers.

"The addition of EBEWE Pharma's leading portfolio of oncology medicines fits our strategy and improves our ability to help cancer patients around the world by providing easier access to therapies. These medicines will remain the backbone of multi-drug treatments in the fight against cancer, one of the world's leading causes of death," said Dr Daniel Vasella, chairman and CEO of Novartis. "EBEWE Pharma will further strengthen our pipeline with many planned near-term launches."

Since becoming independent in 2001 through a management buyout, EBEWE Pharma has built a leading position in Europe and in many emerging markets while also establishing a presence in the US. The business is growing dynamically, delivering 20% compound annual sales growth since 2006. Net sales for the fiscal year 2008 were EUR 188 million (USD 272 million) and operating income was EUR 53 million (USD 77 million).

Key to this success has been a focus on developing value-added products with customers that go beyond standard generics. These include 'ready to use' liquid formulations, new dosage forms, advanced delivery devices and innovative packaging such as Onco-Safe®.

EBEWE Pharma, an Austrian company with approximately 500 associates, also has a differentiated development portfolio with more than 20 distinct molecules that include significant near-term launch opportunities.

"As the world market for generic injectables to treat cancer continues to expand, our specialty generics business will enjoy a much broader global reach as part of Sandoz. We will also be able to offer greater benefits to patients and healthcare providers while creating a more competitive growth platform for our complementary businesses," said Friedrich Hillebrand, CEO of EBEWE Pharma.

Sandoz will form a new global center of excellence around this business, which will be led by Friedrich Hillebrand and will be based in Unterach, Austria. Key priorities for this new unit include capitalizing on EBEWE Pharma's capabilities in hospital marketing and strong customer partnerships, skills in developing differentiated generics and expertise in injectables manufacturing.

Oncology drugs form one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of the global generic injectables market, where Sandoz is ranked among the leading international companies. Annual sales of the global generic injectables sector were USD 10-12 billion in 2008, according to IMS Health, with injectable oncology medicines accounting for about 30 per cent. Additionally, injectable oncology medicines with a total of USD 9 billion of annual sales are expected to lose patent protection by 2015.

Sandoz offers a broad portfolio of more than 950 compounds, with a focus on difficult-to-make products that many other companies cannot develop or produce. These range from complex oral solids and injectables to implants, pharmaceutical patches, inhaled asthma products and biosimilars.

Novartis has signed definitive agreements with the shareholders of EBEWE Pharma to acquire its specialty generic injectables business for EUR 925 million (USD 1.2 billion) in cash, to be adjusted for any cash or debt assumed at closing. This transaction will be financed from the group's existing cash resources and strong cash flow. Novartis will acquire the research, development and manufacturing assets of this business, including tangible assets including a production site in Austria, as well as intellectual property and related expertise. Excluded is EBEWE Pharma's separate, smaller neurological products business. This transaction, which requires customary regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed in 2009. No impact is expected on the Group's ratings by international credit rating agencies.

EBEWE Pharma, an Austrian pharmaceuticals company with activities in more than 100 countries worldwide, provides specialty injectable medicines in the areas of oncology, neurology and immunology.