Olon S.p.A., an active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and generics supplier, has purchased a local generics chemical operations API manufacturing facility in Mahad, India, as part of a continuing expansion of its global footprint.

“By acquiring a manufacturing base in India, Olon will have the opportunity to accelerate growth by adding new CDMO projects and to develop new generic products for the Indian market,” said Paolo Tubertini, chief executive officer, Olon. “It comes with a world-class manufacturing facility and a dedicated team of experts that will support us in delivering high-quality pharmaceuticals that meet or exceed customer expectations and regulatory requirements.”

Following the acquisition of Ricerca Biosciences’ Chemical Division in mid-2017 and the investment of more than €10 million to expand APIs manufacturing lines in the Settimo Torinese facility-a leading-edge plant for development and production of APIs and advanced intermediates through microbial fermentation technology-Olon has now completed a further step in its strategic plan.

“To accomplish all the objectives listed in the Olon 3 years’ development plan, we will move to the next target: to play an important role in the manufacturing of biologics APIs,” said Mr. Tubertini.

The Mahad site, which supplies products to Sandoz, a division of the Novartis Group, is an established and reputable API manufacturing facility in India and provides a number of medicines to the Indian healthcare system and patients around the world. As part of the asset purchase agreement, the parties have committed to sign a long-term supply contract to guarantee continuous supply of Sandoz products manufactured in Mahad. No impact on jobs is planned and Olon intends to invest in the site and pursue business development opportunities to optimize the plant’s utilization and expand its customer base.

“We look forward to a seamless transition for employees, patients, customers, partners and other stakeholders,” said Mr. Tubertini. “We are impressed by the know-how at the Mahad plant and intend to leverage their expertise to develop new opportunities in the pharmaceutical market, in India and elsewhere.”

The acquisition of the Mahad API manufacturing facility is expected to be completed in early 2019, following a transition process. No financial details were disclosed.