Laprophan Group, one of Morocco’s leading pharmaceutical groups, has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Rivopharm, a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company generating annual revenues of approximately US$100m. Financial terms of Laprophan’s first acquisition in Europe were not disclosed.
“This acquisition marks a new stage in our ambition to build an international pharmaceutical group rooted in Morocco, with strong industrial capabilities, scientific expertise and a long-term commitment to improving access to high-quality medicines,” said Dr Farid Bennis, chairman of Laprophan Group.
The deal, carried out through Europhan – its Luxembourg-based European platform – significantly strengthens Laprophan’s European footprint and accelerates its ambition to build a differentiated international pharmaceutical platform spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East and selected global markets.
The acquisition brings Rivopharm’s Swiss industrial and development base, as well as its European subsidiaries, notably Rivopharm UK, Holsten Pharma in Germany and Sanoswiss in Lithuania. This expanded footprint enables Laprophan to strengthen its direct presence in Europe while leveraging a portfolio commercialised in more than 30 countries worldwide. Laprophan already has offices in India, the UAE and Côte d’Ivoire.
“This partnership will enable us to accelerate our international expansion, unlock new opportunities for our products and partners, and build a diversified pharmaceutical group with a truly global reach,” said Piero Poli, CEO of Rivopharm. “I am particularly proud that Rivopharm’s people, capabilities and European footprint will play a central role in shaping this exciting new chapter.”
BNP Paribas acted as exclusive financial advisor to Laprophan, alongside A&O Shearman as legal counsel.
Pharmacloud, together with Jenson and Orbsen, provided commercial, regulatory and operational due diligence, while PwC provided financial, tax, HR and pensions due diligence.
Rothschild & Co acted as exclusive financial advisor to Rivopharm, alongside White & Case as legal counsel. PwC provided financial due diligence services.
