CSL Limited
(ASX:CSL) has finalised on its purchase of the Novartis global influenza vaccine business for US$275 million or around $376 million Australian.
CSL plans to integrate the flu vaccines division with its bioCSL subsidiary which will create the world’s second largest flu vaccine provider behind Sanofi in an industry worth around US$4 billion globally.
The purchase from the Swiss-based Novartis will hand CSL manufacturing plants in the US, UK and Germany as well as a commercial presence in 20 countries. CSL facilities in Melbourne will play a key part in the manufacturing chain.
CSL picked up the influenza division after GlaxoSmithKline bought Novartis other vaccine business leaving the asset available.
CSL reported a first half net profit of $844 million for the 2015 financial year.
