NOVARTIS: Cambiar la piel...?

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Novartis AG is considering a sale of its dermatology generics drugs business as the Swiss health-care giant seeks to shed some of its less profitable treatments and focus on growth areas such as cancer, according to people familiar with the matter.

The business, which is mostly based in the U.S., could be valued at between $1 billion to $1.5 billion and attract both private equity firms and other drugmakers, the people said, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private. The assets for sale include skin-care treatments and some manufacturing facilities, the people said.

Novartis is working with a financial adviser on the potential disposal, which is at a preliminary stage, the people said. No final decisions have been made and the company could still decide against a sale, the people said. A representative for the Basel, Switzerland-based company declined to comment.(...)

Novartis has built Sandoz’s dermatology business via acquisitions. It bought U.S.-based Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. for $1.5 billion in 2012 in a deal to become the top seller of generic skin medications. Last year, it acquired the AmLactin skin-care brands from Minnesota-based Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc. for an undisclosed amount. (Más)


Novartis exploring sale of dermatology unit  
Nov. 2, 2017 
By: Douglas W. House, SA News Editor

• Reuters reports that Novartis has hired Centerview to assist in evaluating strategic options for its Sandoz dermatology business. Observers believe the unit could fetch $1.5B. 
• The company is also advancing a spinoff of Alcon, worth an estimated $25B - 30B, but chief Joe Jimenez wants to see more growth before pulling the trigger.(Ver)