BDR Pharma Acquires Acme Formulation's Oral Solids Business in Rs 23,464 Crore Deal: Report

The acquisition is aimed at strengthening BDR Pharma’s presence in specialised therapeutic segments, including oncology, critical care and women’s healthcare, while expanding its manufacturing capabilities and international market presence. The transaction will add complementary capabilities in thyroid products, female sex hormone formulations and general pharmaceutical products to BDR Pharma’s existing portfolio.

O3 Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor to BDR Pharma, while Avendus Capital advised Acme Formulation and PAG on the transaction.

Commenting on the development, Dharmesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director of BDR Pharma, stated that the company has been witnessing strong growth supported by strategic investments, innovation and an expanding global outlook. He noted that the acquisition of Acme’s oral solids business would further strengthen the company’s Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) platform by adding differentiated capabilities. He also indicated that the transaction forms part of a broader growth roadmap, with further strategic initiatives planned to expand the company’s global presence.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen BDR Pharma’s CDMO platform by adding specialised manufacturing capabilities in women’s healthcare and thyroid therapies without overlapping with its existing business segments. The company also intends to utilise the acquired capabilities alongside its recently acquired portfolio of Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) and products for the US market. The manufacturing infrastructure and available production capacity are expected to facilitate a gradual transition towards commercialising its own product portfolio, thereby strengthening its presence across the pharmaceutical value chain, expanding product offerings and building long-term customer relationships in the US market.

Founded in 2003, BDR Pharma is a global integrated complex generics company with an expanding presence in specialised therapies. Backed by Multiples Private Equity, the company operates across finished pharmaceutical formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), supported by a diversified manufacturing network. It collaborates with pharmaceutical companies across domestic and international markets, including regulated and emerging markets. Its research and development capabilities are supported by advanced infrastructure and an expanding team of scientific professionals.

Following the transaction, PAG and Acme founder Viral Shah will retain complete ownership of Immacule, an Indian contract manufacturing business specialising in sterile injectable products. PAG plans to focus on developing Immacule into a leading global sterile injectables manufacturing platform. Nikhil Srivastava, Partner and Co-head of Private Equity at PAG, stated that the company would now concentrate on strengthening Immacule’s position in the global sterile injectables market.

Immacule has recently commissioned a new manufacturing facility with an annual production capacity of more than 200 million units. The facility offers manufacturing capabilities across several dosage forms, including liquid and lyophilised vials, pre-filled syringes and cartridges. Its therapeutic manufacturing capabilities cover oncology, ophthalmology and general injectable products.

Viral Shah, Managing Director of Immacule, stated that BDR Pharma’s expertise in developing new and complex medicines would enable the introduction of more innovative products to Acme’s existing and prospective Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO) and CDMO clients across different geographical markets. He further stated that he would work closely with BDR Pharma to ensure a smooth business transition while focusing on the growth and expansion of Immacule.

Live Mint reports that the acquisition is part of BDR Pharma’s broader expansion strategy to strengthen its CDMO platform and expand its presence across specialised pharmaceutical segments and international markets.