Forest Laboratories has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aptalis, a privately held U.S.-based specialty pharma focused on gastrointestinal and cystic fibrosis tretaments, for $2.9 billion in cash, from its shareholders, including private investment firm TPG. The acquisition, subject to review, is expected to close in 1H14.
 
Aptalis had sales of $688 million in FY2013. Sales of its top three products in the U.S. include Canasa, Carafate, and Zenpep, which accounted for more than 60% of sales. Aptalis Pharmaceutical Technologies, a third-party drug delivery technology provider and drug manufacturer, accounted for approximately 15% of revenues.
 
“Aptalis is an excellent strategic and financial fit for Forest because of its strong product offerings in two therapeutic franchises that are complementary to Forest — GI in the U.S. and Canada and cystic fibrosis in Europe. The acquisition of Aptalis helps diversify Forest while advancing our strategy to create blockbuster therapeutic areas,” said Brent Saunders, chief executive officer and president of Forest Laboratories.
 
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP served as Forest’s legal counsel, and Aptalis was advised by Ropes & Gray. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Forest. J. P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisors to Aptalis.