M&As this week: Sinclair Pharma, Direct Biologics

Huadong Medicine Company (HMC) has completed an acquisition of Sinclair Pharma for $222m.

Sinclair Pharma will operate as a stand-alone entity following the acquisition.

The deal will enable Sinclair to expand its product pipeline for minimally invasive treatments and build partnerships with aesthetic physicians and organisations in the US.

Based in China, HMC is a manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceutical and medical products, while Sinclair Pharma is a UK-based speciality pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology.

Direct Biologics has completed an acquisition of Paisley Laboratories.

The acquisition will enhance Paisley Laboratories to develop innovative and revolutionary products based on human mesenchymal stem cells.

Direct Biologics is a manufacturer of regenerative medical products, while Paisley Laboratories is engaged in regenerative and restorative skincare product development.

Both companies involved in the acquisition are based in the US.

Cambrex Corporation has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Avista Pharma Solutions for approximately $252m.

The payment will be completed in a combination of cash and borrowings under Cambrex’s existing revolving credit facility.

Expected to be closed by the end of 2018, the transaction will enable Cambrex to enter the small molecule development and testing services market.

Based in the US, Cambrex is a life sciences company, while Avista Pharma is a drug development company based in the UK.

Takeda Pharmaceutical has received approval from the European Commission (EC) for an acquisition of Shire for $62bn.

The approved was granted under the condition that both companies should divest inflammatory bowel disease treatments Entyvio and SHP647.

Based in Japan, Takeda is a pharmaceutical company, while Shire is a biotechnology company based in the US.