Merck & Co Inc is considering selling a big portfolio of mature drugs that could fetch
more than $15 billion, according to people familiar with the matter, as the
U.S. drugmaker continues to streamline businesses to focus on high-growth
areas.
Merck, which is also in the
process of selling its $14 billion consumer healthcare unit, is working with an
investment bank on the potential sale of the off-patent drugs, which could draw
interest from generic drugmakers, the people said.
The sale processes underscore
efforts by large drugmakers to shed smaller divisions they view as non-core so
they can better focus on their mainstay products. They have shown new
willingness to consider large asset swaps with rivals to exit weaker businesses
and bolster core areas where they are already top players.
Sanofi SA (SASY.PA), being advised by Evercore Partners Inc (EVR.N), is also in the market with its aging drug portfolio, which could fetch
between $7 billion and $8 billion, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
Representatives for Merck
declined to comment. The sources asked not to be named because the matter is
not public.
Both Merck and Sanofi have an extensive line-up of older products that could be carved out,
following similar moves now under way at Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) and GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK.L) to place older products in separate divisions.
Pfizer announced last year it
planned to separate its business into three units - innovative pharmaceuticals;
vaccines, oncology and consumer health; and established products. The U.S.
group has not ruled out a full breakup.
GSK is starting down a similar
path, and CEO Andrew Witty said on Wednesday that he would consider single
products or broader divestiture of its established drugs.
Πηγή: Reuters