Singapore, July 28, 2008: French pharma company Sanofi-aventis has entered into a binding agreement with Primary Health Care Limited of Sydney, Australia to acquire Symbion CP Holdings in Australia.

 

Symbion manufactures, markets and distributes nutraceuticals (vitamins & mineral supplements) and over the counter brands throughout Australia and New Zealand. Symbion Consumer has a strong portfolio of premium brands including Natures Own, Cenovis, Bio-organics, Golden Glow and Microgenics.

 

Symbion Consumer sales amounted to around A$ 190 million in 2007. Symbion Consumer is the market leader, with an estimated 21% market share. The transaction is valued at A$ 560 million.

 

“The purchase of Symbion Consumer provides sanofi-aventis in Australia with a leading market share in a rapidly growing category”, declared Olivier Charmeil, Senior Vice President, Pharmaceutical Operations, Asia Pacific, sanofi-aventis. “The acquisition will sustain sanofi-aventis Australia growth through products portfolio widening, increased pharmacy presence and access to new channels, and will create strong synergies with our existing pharmaceutical activities.