Lilly Finalizes Novartis Animal Health Acquisition

Eli Lilly has completed the acquisition of Novartis Animal Health, which will further position Lilly's Elanco as a global leader in the animal health industry. The transaction, first announced on 22 April, has received clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. As part of the approval, certain animal health assets in the US relating to the Sentinel canine parasiticide franchise will be divested to Virbac, as has been previously announced. All other closing conditions have also been met.

The combined organization will increase Elanco's product portfolio, expand its global commercial presence and deliver more innovation to customers. The acquisition also augments Elanco's manufacturing and R&D capabilities with a total of 17 manufacturing sites and 14 R&D locations in the newly combined organization.  Further, Elanco will have a more balanced and diversified business with revenues more evenly split between food animal and companion animal, as well as stronger geographic representation.

"As a top-tier animal health company, we are better positioned to help our customers respond to the changing external environment and meet increasing demands for animal protein, as well as growing desires for pet ownership," said Jeff Simmons, senior vice president of Eli Lilly and Company and president of Elanco Animal Health. "Our combination will deliver a more comprehensive suite of existing solutions, but will also allow us to dedicate greater resources to new product discovery and development."

Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly acquired the Novartis Animal Health business in an all-cash transaction of approximately $5.4 billion, including anticipated tax benefits. Lilly funded this acquisition with approximately $3.4 billion of cash-on-hand and $2.0 billion in debt. The impact of the acquisition, which closed on 1 January 2015, will be reflected in Lilly's first quarter 2015 financial statements.