Galderma acquires dermatology brand Spirig

The two companies have confirmed a definitive agreement in which Galderma will acquire the complete business of Spirig. It is expected that Galderma’s expertise in the dermatological field will lead to synergies and opportunities to expand the Spirig brands further.

“With this acquisition, Galderma will become the dermatology market leader in Switzerland, our home country. Additionally, with our global presence, we will be able to make Spirig's products available to a larger number of patients around the world."​"We are delighted to join forces with Spirig Pharma​" said Humberto Antunes, chief executive officer of Galderma."Spirig has a holistic approach to protecting, treating, restoring and preventing dermatological conditions which is closely aligned to that of Galderma.”​

Spirig focused on niche skin care brands​

Spirig, which is also based in Switzerland, employs 270 associates in the domestic market and a further 120 associates in international markets, alongside 15 partners in 15 other markets, with distribution centred on drug stores, pharmacies and dermatologists.

It has a number of key brands, including Daylong Sun Protection and Excipial, which has been developed to treat very dry and sensitive skin, which helped contribute to a total company turnover of CHF 98.4bn (€81,2m) in 2011.

Spirig’s products target niche areas of the dermatological category, including the treatment of conditions such as solar damage and skin barrier 

function impairment, and its portfolio fits in well with that of Galderma’s, which is focused on aesthetic and corrective dermatological areas.

Targeting pre-cancerous conditions​

It also has a range of products that target the prevention of pre-cancerous conditions, such as actinic keratosis, a form of non-melanoma skin cancer, making them especially viable for individuals with very fair skin or a history of skin cancer.

"We are excited about our two companies' commercial and geographic opportunities, maximizing the value of our complementary product portfolios in the prescription and self-medication markets," said Albert Draaijer, Galderma's vice president, of business development and markets, who also leads Galderma's Self-Medication and Aesthetic and Corrective businesses. 

The deal is expected to close in early 2013, providing regulatory requirements are fulfilled, and Galderma says it will maintain Spirig’s Egerkingen locations for the brand operations.