French drug-maker Sanofi to buy animal health division of Dosch Pharmaceuticals

MUMBAI: French drugmaker Sanofi Aventis' animal health subsidiary Merial has acquired Mumbai-based Dosch Pharmaceuticals for an undisclosed amount, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

Under the agreement, Merial will acquire Dosch's over 86 products and under 50 brands which are sold for cattle and other livestock, poultry and companion animals. It will also get Dosch 279-strong sales force.

Sanofi had acquired Merial from Merck in 2009, and at present, only vaccine is sold in India from Merial's portfolio.

"We are convinced that the combination of Dosch's animal health brands and distribution strength, along with the robust new product pipelines from both Merial and Dosch, will strongly position Merial to become a major animal health player in India," said Jose Barella, Chief Executive Officer of Merial. Dosch CEO Sharat Tugnait will report to Mayank Parekh, Merial's country manager for India.

"The animal health market in India is estimated at more than 350 million euros in 2012, and is experiencing annual double digit growth.