Novartis has announced plans to completely spin off its generics and biosimilars division, Sandoz, to create a new publicly traded standalone firm.

The latest development is intended to increase shareholder value by establishing a top European generics firm and a leader in biosimilars internationally. 

This will aid shareholders of Novartis to entirely take part in possible upside for Sandoz and Novartis Innovative Medicines businesses in the future.

For both these businesses, the spin-off would provide for improved focus and the potential to seek growth strategies independently. 

With a current biosimilar pipeline of more than 15 molecules and a robust management team and organisation, Sandoz is anticipated to offer its next growth wave.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Last year, Sandoz generated sales worth $9.6bn and served more than 100 markets across the globe with a robust presence in the US, Europe and other regions. 

Upon becoming a standalone company, Sandoz would progress to make investments in the main strategic regions of antibiotics, biosimilars and generic medicines.

Following the proposed spin-off, Sandoz will establish headquarters in Switzerland. 

Subject to necessary approvals and conditions, the transaction is anticipated to conclude in the second half of next year.

Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan said: “For Novartis, the separation of Sandoz would further support our strategy of building a focused innovative medicines company, with depth in five core therapeutic areas and strength in technology platforms. 

“In addition, both companies would be able to focus on maximising value creation for their shareholders by prioritising capital and resource allocation, employing separate capital structure policies, and increasing management focus on their respective business needs.”

In July, the company expanded its research-based collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, US, to discover new therapeutic modalities and address ‘undruggable’ disease targets.