Mumbai-based Pharma major, Lupin today announced the acquisition of Rubamin Laboratories (RLL), a part of the Vadodara-based Rubamin group, for an undisclosed price. The pharmaceutical business of Rubamin group was operated through its subsidiary RLL, largely engaged in the manufacture of advanced intermediates for APIs under contract research and manufacturing (CRAMS) model.RLL has over a decade of experience in manufacturing advanced intermediates for APIs. RLL today has capabilities to participate in the value chain from drug development to commercial production of advanced intermediates for APIs. RLL has built a strong customer base and with Company's strengths will be in a better position to support the global pharmaceutical industry.Desh Bandhu Gupta, chairman, Lupin, said: "We are delighted at this acquisition. It enables us to step up our strategic initiative in the CRAMS segment. We have a proven track record of achieving global position in every therapy that we have entered at intermediate and API level. We are looking forward to replicate our success in this field as well."The Rs 2,028 crore company has been in an expansion mode for some time. It had recently announced an investment of over Rs 200 crore this year to create additional manufacturing capacities, including a new multipurpose formulation manufacturing facility at a special economic zone at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.The company had spent about Rs 170 crore to expand manufacturing facilities last year, including setting up of a new manufacturing facility at Bari Brahmana in Jammu. It is also looking at acquisition of companies in geographies like Latin America, Japan and the Middle East.Europe will be the next major focus area for Lupin. Plans are to launch about seven products during the current year. While the company will adopt a direct to market strategy in the UK, it will enter into strategic tie-ups with leading marketing companies for the other major European markets.
