Virbac's Bold Move: Dominating Japan's Animal Health Industry with Sasaeah Acquisition
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the landscape of Japan's animal health industry, Virbac has announced its acquisition of Sasaeah, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, in a deal worth approximately €280 million. The strategic acquisition marks Virbac's decisive step towards cementing its leadership position in Japan and expanding its global footprint.
Sasaeah, born from the amalgamation of Fujita Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Kyoto Biken Laboratories Inc., stands as a formidable force in Japan's animal health sector. With an impressive annual revenue of €75 million, half of which is generated from vaccines, Sasaeah boasts a diverse portfolio catering to both farm and companion animals.
Virbac's acquisition of Sasaeah heralds a new era of dominance in Japan's farm animal vaccines market, particularly in the lucrative cattle segment. Additionally, it grants Virbac access to a wide array of pharmaceutical products across major species. The deal also includes Sasaeah's local manufacturing sites in Japan and Vietnam, along with its robust R&D capabilities and a workforce of over 500 skilled employees.
Sébastien Huron, CEO of Virbac Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasizing Japan's significance in the global animal health landscape. He highlighted the alignment of the acquisition with Virbac's long-term vision for 2030, focusing on geographical expansion, vaccine segment growth, and species-specific reinforcement. Huron warmly welcomed the Sasaeah team into Virbac's global family and expressed eagerness to collaborate in shaping Japan's animal health future.
Seiichi Miyake, Managing Executive Officer of ORIX Corporation, commended the successful integration of Kyoto Biken Laboratories and Fujita Pharmaceutical into Sasaeah under ORIX's stewardship. He expressed optimism about the synergy between Sasaeah's capabilities and Virbac's renowned R&D, manufacturing, and quality standards. Miyake emphasized the positive impact of the acquisition on veterinary medicine development.
Remarkably, the completion of the transaction is not contingent on regulatory approval, signaling a swift closure expected by early April 2024. With this acquisition, Virbac solidifies its position as a frontrunner in Japan's animal health industry, poised to leverage its enhanced capabilities not only in Japan but also across the broader Asian market.
In conclusion, Virbac's acquisition of Sasaeah represents a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory, underscoring its commitment to innovation, expansion, and leadership in the global animal health arena.
