Singapore, Mar 09, 2010: Elanco, the animal health division of Eli Lilly said that the company has signed an agreement to acquire the European rights to a portfolio of certain Pfizer Animal Health products. The products, including vaccines, parasiticides and feed additives, are used in both the production animal and companion animal markets.

The products have been marketed by Pfizer and Wyeth's Fort Dodge operations. Elanco also will acquire a manufacturing facility in Sligo, Ireland, currently used in the production of animal vaccines. As part of the agreement, all Sligo employees will be offered positions with Elanco.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will acquire European rights to a portfolio of marketed products, as well as a biological manufacturing facility in Sligo, Ireland. In return, Pfizer will receive an undisclosed upfront payment. In order to ensure an uninterrupted supply of product to customers, both companies also have signed corresponding manufacturing supply agreements. Closing of the transaction is contingent upon clearance from European regulatory authorities and other customary closing conditions. No other terms of the transaction were disclosed.

Mr Jeff Simmons, President, Elanco, said, “Through this acquisition, we will expand and diversify our European presence with new market-leading products, augment our growing portfolio of companion animal medicines, and acquire new biologic and vaccine capabilities.”

The European Commission requested that Pfizer divest these products as a result of Pfizer's acquisition last year of Wyeth, including Wyeth's Fort Dodge animal health business.