Lilly Bids for J&J Animal Health Biz

Elanco, Lilly’s animal health division, has made a one-time offer to acquire the animal health business of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, a Johnson & Johnson company. Janssen’s animal health business, headquartered in Beerse, Belgium, is focused on targeting disease segments in companion animals and livestock, with special emphasis on swine and poultry.

Should the deal close, Elanco would obtain a portfolio of about 50 marketed animal health products, as well as the transfer of Janssen’s animal health employees. Manufacturing facilities would not be included in the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The addition of Janssen’s animal health business will strongly support a number of strategic growth priorities for Elanco, while providing synergies with our current operations,” said Jeff Simmons, Lilly senior vice president and president of Elanco. “Through this transaction, we intend to further expand our European presence, bolster our growing portfolio of companion animal medicines and diversify our food animal portfolio with new swine and poultry products. We are excited about these new opportunities to improve animal health, food safety and food animal production while delivering greater value to our customers.”