Abbott to acquire nutrition businesses, expanding in India

Libertyville Township-based Abbott announced today an agreement to acquire the nutrition businesses of Wockhardt Limited, Carol Info Services Limited and certain Wockhardt subsidiaries and group companies for consideration totaling about $130 million in cash.

Wockhardt, based in Mumbai, India, has a significant presence in India's pediatric and adult nutrition segments with infant formulas, weaning foods and adult protein supplements. These products hold the number two position in India's pediatric nutrition category with Farex, Dexolac and Nusobee infant formulas and Farex weaning cereal. The adult protein supplement, Protinex, is the segment leader. These transactions also include nutrition manufacturing facilities located in Lalru and Jagraon, India.

"This acquisition is an excellent strategic fit for Abbott to accelerate growth of its nutrition business in India, where the nutritional market is expected to experience strong growth in the coming years," said Holger Liepmann, executive vice president, Global Nutrition, Abbott. "Combining these trusted nutrition products, local manufacturing capability and commercial infrastructure with Abbott's existing pediatric and adult nutrition offerings positions Abbott very well to serve Indian consumers."

Abbott's international nutrition business is an important growth driver for the company and has had particularly strong growth in China, Southeast Asia and Latin America in recent years.

The acquisition includes approximately 600 employees in total. Abbott has approximately 1,500 employees in India across all of its businesses and has been operating in India since 1910. Abbott offers Isomil, PediaSure, Ensure and Glucerna in India and plans to introduce additional products from its broad-based nutritional portfolio to Indian consumers in the coming years.