Cipla, Dr Reddy's, Carlyle and Hong Kong fund in fray for Wockhardt divisions

A clutch of domestic strategic suitors and global private equity funds are in the race to acquire select business divisions of pharma major Wockhardt, sources with knowledge of the matter told Moneycontrol. These divisions have been put on the block to reduce the firm’s debt burden.

"Cipla, Dr Reddy’s, private equity fund Carlyle and Hong Kong-based investment fund PAG are among the suitors in the race for these select business portfolios," said a source.

"Wockhardt is expecting a valuation between Rs 2,400-Rs 2,700 crore as the combined valuation for the proposed sale of these segments. The company has attempted various routes in the past to raise funds and this is a fresh construct involving the sale of controlling stake and has attracted considerable interest. Sizeable domestic businesses have always attracted attention from both strategic as well as buyout funds on account of stable growth and lesser regulatory risks,” the source said.

The company had a total debt of Rs 3,367 crore as on March 31, 2019, and its current market capitalisation stands at Rs 3,022 crore. It has a diversified product portfolio with presence in therapeutic segments such as cardiology, dermatology, diabetes, respiratory and ophthalmology. Moneycontrol could not independently verify which of the segments have been identified for divestment.

“Due diligence is being carried out by the suitors and the submission of bids is expected in the final week of November,” added another source.

Investment bank Moelis is advising Wockhardt on the sale process.

In August 2019, a report by India Ratings highlighted, “the significantly elevated refinancing risks for Wockhardt in the second half of FY20 due to its weak liquidity position for servicing its upcoming debt maturities over the same period."

Excerpts from the India Ratings' report: