Sanofi-aventis eyes OTC, branded generics in India

French drug maker Sanofi-aventis today said it plans to buy branded generics and over-the-counter (OTC) consumer healthcare brands in India as part of its strategy to scale up sales from new avenues.

"Yes, we are looking to acquire OTC brands across vitamins, mineral supplements, orthopaedic and nutraceutical brands," a Sanofi-aventis spokesperson said.

Besides, the company is also scouting for brands in anti-infective, antibiotics, respiratory tract infection and gynaecology products.

"We are actively pursuing targets and besides buying out brands, the company is also open to partnerships and acquiring local firms," the spokesperson added but did not elaborate on details like budget earmarked for such activity.

Last week, Sanofi-aventis had finalised the deal to buy US biotechnology giant Genzyme Corp for over $20 billion.

The transaction is expected to close early in the second quarter of 2011, subject to customary closing conditions.

Sanofi-aventis' acquisition of Genzyme has already received anti-trust clearance from the European Commission and the United States Federal Trade Commission.

Sanofi-aventis is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies of the world. It is present in over 100 countries and have about 1 lakh employees across the world.