Torrent Pharma Becomes India’s 5th Largest Drugmaker
Acquiring JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Boosts Market Position
Torrent Pharma has climbed to become India’s fifth-largest pharmaceutical company. This achievement follows its acquisition of JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals (JB Chem). The company now holds a 4.6% share of the Rs 2.3 lakh crore organized retail market.
Market Share Growth
- Torrent Pharma moved up from 7th to 5th place.
- Market share increased from 3.6% to 4.6%.
- Sun Pharma leads with an 8.3% share.
- Cipla follows with a 5.2% market share.
Key Market Segments
Torrent Pharma now leads the cardiac therapy market. It has nearly an 11% share, surpassing Sun Pharma. In the gastrointestinal therapy market, Torrent has moved up to the second position.
Cardiac and gastrointestinal therapies are the two largest segments of the chronic and acute pharma retail market. Torrent has significantly strengthened its position in these key areas.
Financial Highlights
- The merged entity’s India business sales exceed Rs 10,600 crore.
- Consolidated revenues surpass Rs 15,000 crore.
- Torrent’s stock closed nearly 2% higher at Rs 3410.
- JB Chem’s stock price dropped over 6% to Rs 1680 on the BSE.
Strategic Acquisitions
Torrent Pharma has grown through strategic acquisitions. These include Elder Pharma, Unichem Labs’ India businesses, Curatio Healthcare, and brands from Novartis and Dr Reddy’s Labs.
Key brands in Torrent’s portfolio include:
- Elder’s Shelcal range (nutrition)
- Unichem’s Unienzyme (gastro-intestinal)
- Curatio’s Tedibar (derma)
New Market Opportunities
The deal provides Torrent entry into new therapeutic areas like ophthalmology. It also enters the fast-growing CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) segment. Around 11% of JB Chem’s revenue comes from the CDMO business.
Prescription Market Share
In terms of prescriptions, the merged company will jump to the 4th rank. It will have a share of 5.4% prescriptions, up from the 10th position.
