Karo Pharma to Acquire Trimb Healthcare for $366 Million, Expanding Nordic Consumer Health Leadership

Recently, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that private equity firm Avista Capital Partners (Avista) announced that specialty pharmaceutical company Karo Pharma would acquire all shares of Trimb Healthcare (Trimb) for approximately $366 million. The transaction is subject to regulatory review and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

Trimb, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is a rapidly growing over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer health company. With approximately 90 employees, the company holds numerous marketing and sales authorizations for OTC medicines and consumer health products, covering all regulatory categories and most therapeutic areas. Trimb focuses on skin care, foot care, oral care, and intimate health, boasting a portfolio of premium brands. Supported by Avista over the past five years, Trimb has completed several strategic acquisitions and development initiatives.

Trimb maintains its own marketing departments in several Nordic countries, with its products sold in over 50 countries worldwide. Additionally, selected products from the company are distributed internationally through other distributors. Trimb remains attentive to consumer needs and is committed to improving people’s physical health.

Karo Pharma, established in 1987 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is a specialized pharmaceutical company. The company focuses on the marketing of prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, with its products available in more than 30 countries. Its primary customers include healthcare providers, pharmacies, and retail stores.

Karo Pharma is committed to becoming an international specialty pharmaceutical company, helping patients access treatments more easily. Christop Lorenzen, the company’s newly appointed CEO, stated, “Trimb is a distinguished company in the over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer health sectors. In recent years, through our partnership with Avista, we have successfully established and continuously expanded our business in the Nordic region. Trimb complements Karo Pharma’s shortcomings in geographic presence, distribution channels, and product offerings.”

Magnus Nylén, CEO of Trimb Healthcare, added, “Trimb has now become the leading consumer health company in the Nordic region. We are proud of the progress we have achieved since our inception. We look forward to collaborating with Karo Pharma to continue driving the company’s growth.”

Avista, a private equity firm founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York, USA, has a long-standing partnership with DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, one of the world’s largest investment firms. Avista’s investment team comprises seasoned industry executives and primarily focuses on three sectors: energy, healthcare, and media.

Avista leverages its financial, industry network, and strategic resources to drive the growth of its portfolio companies, primarily making various types of investments in the United States, including leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, and growth financing.

(Compiled by Tang Lulu)