Japan's Major Generics Drug Maker Sawai Pharmaceutical Looks To M&A For Growth

In an interview with Reuters, Japan's major generic drug maker Sawai Pharmaceutical President Mitsuo Sawai disclosed a goal of doubling sales in five years to become a ¥100 billion company by 2014. Sawai explained that the scale will allow the company to fully utilize its specialty in generics business. To achieve the goal, enriching product lineup and expanding business scale through mergers and acquisitions are necessary, Sawai stated. He further set eye care and tropical products as candidates for partnership. Regarding Daiichi Sankyo's entry to the generics market through buying Indian firm Ranbaxy, Sawai estimated that the joint Daiichi Sankyo-Ranbaxy will first focus on expanding markets in developing countries. He also doubted that Daiichi Sankyo would focus on generics business. As a new drug discovery company, promoting generic versions of its own brand products is equal to wrapping a rope around the neck, Sawai added. (Click here for more - Japanese language) "Sawai Pharmaceutical President-M&A Necessary To Grow Sales To 100 Billion" - Reuters Japan (8/28/08)