Abbott Expands Latin American Presence and Branded Generics Portfolio with Acquisition of CFR Pharmaceuticals

Abbott has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Latin American pharmaceutical company CFR Pharmaceuticals, more than doubling its Latin American branded generics pharmaceutical presence and further expanding Abbott's presence in fast-growing markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will acquire the holding company that indirectly owns approximately 73% of CFR Pharmaceuticals and will conduct a public cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of CFR. Assuming all publicly-held shares are tendered, the total purchase price would be approximately $2.9 billion, plus the assumption of net debt of approximately $430 million.

This acquisition immediately establishes Abbott among the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in Latin America, further broadening Abbott's geographic presence across the region.

"With its scale and leadership positions in the region, strong commercial and development organizations, well-respected leadership team and a trusted portfolio of recognized brands, CFR is one of the leading branded generic companies in Latin America," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "This acquisition will significantly enhance and broaden Abbott's Latin American footprint, and is well aligned with our long-term strategy and commitment to fast-growing markets."

Abbott expects the acquisition to add approximately $900 million to its sales in the first full year (2015), with expected double-digit sales growth over the next several years.

CFR Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Santiago, Chile, participates in 15 Latin American markets and has a comprehensive product portfolio that is well aligned with Abbott's current pharmaceutical therapeutic areas of focus in women's health, central nervous system, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The addition of CFR's business will significantly improve Abbott's position in several markets, and provide the opportunity to expand each company's portfolio across Latin America.

"We are pleased to join with Abbott to enhance CFR's leadership across Latin America," said Alejandro Weinstein, chief executive officer, CFR Pharmaceuticals. "CFR and its employees will become part of an organization much like itself, a well-respected company with a long heritage and commitment to delivering quality health care products that improve people's lives."

CFR currently markets more than 1000 products and has a proven track record of rapidly developing and bringing new products to market. In addition to leading products and a robust pipeline, the acquisition adds approximately 7000 employees, and R&D and manufacturing facilities in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Argentina.