Nycomed
Country: Switzerland
Investors: Nordic Capital Fund III, Nordic Capital Fund V, Nordic Capital Fund VI
Over two periods of ownership spanning 12 years in total, Nordic Capital has transformed Swiss pharmaceuticals business Nycomed into a world-class company with a strong market position, product portfolio and R&D pipeline.
Nordic Capital initially acquired Nycomed in 1999, helping to reposition the business into a specialty pharma company with a strong platform in Europe and Russia/CIS. The first holding period ended in December 2002. In its second phase of ownership, from May 2005 to September 2011, Nordic Capital has supported Nycomed in a number of strategically important acquisitions, and transformed the business into a truly global company.
Kristoffer Melinder
Managing Partner - Nordic Capital
We feel privileged to have been able to contribute to the strategic transformation and development of Nycomed over the last twelve years.
50%
of revenues now in emerging markets
€9.6bn
valuation at exit
What did the business need?
International expansion
Investment in R&D and marketing functions
Improved focus on core activities
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Recruited new CEO, Håkan Björklund, who led the business from 1999 to 2011
Focus on in-licensing for sourcing of new products
Greenfield establishment and expansion in new European markets
Acquisitions of complementary businesses Altana Pharma, Bradley and Guangdong Techpool Bio-Pharma
Acceleration of emerging markets franchise
Successful focus on key specialty products in mature and emerging markets
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
9.6bn euro valuation on exit in trade sale
50% of 2010 revenues generated in emerging markets
12,500 employees
Subsidiaries in 70 markets and products sold in 100 countries
15 production facilities in 13 countries
Largest capital gain achieved for private equity investors globally to date
Investors
