German pharmaceutical company Stada Arzneimittel AG is reportedly weighing a potential acquisition of Cooper Consumer Health, an over-the-counter drugmaker, in a deal that could be valued at approximately 6 billion euros ($6.4 billion). This move signals Stada's aggressive push to expand its footprint in the consumer health sector, building on its recent record profits and transition to new ownership. Stada's CEO, Peter Goldschmidt, previously indicated the company's readiness for significant acquisitions in this space, stating they have "absolutely enough firepower to do meaningful acquisitions." This potential deal aligns with Stada's expressed strategy to grow through substantial transactions.
CVC Capital Partners currently owns Cooper Consumer Health, having acquired a majority stake in March 2021 in a deal then valued at about $2.6 billion. Cooper, based in Paris, has since grown significantly under CVC's ownership, expanding its pan-European presence and product portfolio of OTC medicines, dietary supplements, and medical devices. The company has focused on both organic growth and strategic mergers and acquisitions to consolidate the sector, with revenues nearing 500 million euros at the time of CVC's initial investment.
