M&A Strategy within the Generic Pharmaceuticals Sector: Vertical Integration into Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Abstract

The generics sector has been very active within mergers and acquisitions (M&A). One key strategic M&A opportunity for firms within the sector is to focus on vertical integration between active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished form. The combination not only provides further critical mass but also, most importantly, creates strong synergies to help to position the firm in the market. Moreover, with continued increased competition from former API suppliers, such as some of the Indian producers, Western firms will need to seek new sources of APIs and meet the increased competition which these firms present through their vertical integration.