Key Takeaways
- • BDR Pharma will acquire a controlling stake in the oral solid formulations business of Acme Formulation Private Limited and its subsidiaries from existing shareholders, including PAG, to deepen its CDMO platform and expand in oncology, critical care and women's healthcare.
- • Acme specialises in hormone, thyroid and other complex oral medicines, provides contract manufacturing and R&D services to Indian and global pharma companies, and exports to over 40 countries.
- • o3 Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to BDR Pharma on the transaction; the deal's value was not disclosed in the source material.
- • Arka Fincap, a Mumbai-headquartered, Kirloskar-promoted NBFC with Rs 8,000 crore in AUM across 10 states, signed definitive agreements with The Rise Funds, TPG's impact investing platform.
- • TPG's investment in Arka comprises an initial Rs 525 crore commitment plus a possible further Rs 275 crore in a second tranche, contingent on business milestones and regulatory approvals.
Summary
BDR Pharma, founded in 2003, manufactures and sells generic medicines with a focus on oncology, women's healthcare and critical care, and is expanding into other specialised areas. Chairman and managing director Dharmesh Shah said the company has been on a strong growth trajectory driven by strategic investments, innovation and an expanding global ambition, adding that Acme will further strengthen its CDMO platform and add differentiated capabilities. o3 Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to BDR Pharma on the transaction.
Acme Formulation provides contract manufacturing and R&D services to Indian and global pharma companies, specialising in hormone, thyroid and other complex oral medicines, and exports to more than 40 countries.
Separately, Arka Fincap Ltd, a Mumbai-headquartered non-banking financial company promoted by the Kirloskar Group and established in 2018, has signed definitive agreements with The Rise Funds, TPG's global impact investing platform, per an announcement. The investment includes an initial commitment of Rs 525 crore, with a possible further Rs 275 crore in a second tranche subject to specified business milestones and regulatory approvals. Arka currently has assets under management of Rs 8,000 crore across 10 states. The funding will be used to expand its lending business, reach more customers across geographies, invest in technology and strengthen risk management. Simit Batra, BU Partner at TPG, said many of India's MSMEs and vehicle operators remain underserved by formal financial services, and that Arka has built a disciplined, secured retail lending platform with potential to reach more customers at scale. Avendus Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.
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