(Ecofin Agency) - South African pharmaceutical company Aspen Pharmacare Holdings has completed the sale of its Japanese operation- Aspen Japan K.K- to Sandoz.

When the sale was initially announced in November 2019, Sandoz said it would invest €300 million ($331.9 million) to obtain full stake in Aspen Japan. The company had also agreed, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, to pay an additional amount not exceeding €100 million. According to Stephen Saad, CEO of Aspen, "this Transaction complements our stated strategic intent to focus on our core pharmaceutical business in markets that offer scale and alignment to our business model.” Thé sale operation is also part of the company's desire to reduce its debt burden. 

For Sandoz, Japan represents the third-largest market for generic and non-patented drugs in the world. This acquisition of Aspen Japan will allow Sandoz to strengthen its position in this market.

As a reminder, Aspen Japan’s activities contributed R2.1 billion to Aspen’s revenue during the financial year ended June 30, 2019.

Chamberline Moko