JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd: Acquisition by Torrent Pharma

On June 29, 2025, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited announced a significant acquisition, entering into definitive agreements to acquire a controlling stake in J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited (JB Pharma) from global investment firm KKR. The transaction, valued at Rs 25,689 crore on a fully diluted basis, marks a strategic move to strengthen Torrent’s presence in the Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM).

Key Details of the Acquisition:

  • Transaction Structure: The acquisition will be followed by a merger of the two entities, consolidating their operations and market presence.
  • Valuation: The equity valuation of the transaction stands at Rs 25,689 crore.
  • Strategic Impact: This acquisition is expected to bolster Torrent’s portfolio in gastroenterology, hypertension, dermatology, and other therapeutic categories such as nephrology, respiratory, virology, diabetes, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd Overview:

  • Sector and Industry: Health Care, Pharmaceuticals
  • Primary Exchange: National Stock Exchange of India
  • Currency: INR
  • Close Price (June 26, 2025): 1801.4 INR
  • 52 Weeks High: 2030 INR (August 15, 2024)
  • 52 Weeks Low: 1385.75 INR (April 6, 2025)

JB Pharma is renowned for its diverse range of pharmaceutical formulations, herbal remedies, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The company’s notable brands include Nicardia, Cilacar, Rantac, Metrogyl, and Cilacar-T. It specializes in the manufacturing of medicated and herbal lozenges, offering both sugar and sugar-free options, and has implemented osmotic-controlled release oral drug delivery system (OROS) technology.

Global Presence:

JB Pharma maintains a direct presence in Russia and South Africa, with distributor relationships in the United States and various markets throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Regulatory and Corporate Updates:

  • Amalgamation/Merger: The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and will be governed by Regulation 30 and Regulation 30A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations, 2015.
  • Corporate Changes: JB Pharma has recently informed the National Stock Exchange of India about changes in directors, key managerial personnel, auditors, compliance officers, and share transfer agents.
  • Trading Window Closure: The company has also announced the closure of its trading window as of June 27, 2025.

This acquisition is poised to enhance Torrent’s market position and expand its product offerings, leveraging JB Pharma’s established brands and technological advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.