Dr Reddy's plans $235 million ADR issue
By Our Corporate Bureau | 14 Nov 2006
The price of the ADS would be determined by reference to the prevailing market prices of the company's equity shares. The ADS would be traded on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol 'RDY'.
This is the second ADR float by the NYSE-listed Dr Reddy’s and the issue would lead to an equity dilution of approximately 9 per cent.
The ADR proceeds will be utilised to clear a major part of the debt the company incurred for the acquisition of private equity firm 3i's stake in Betapharm for €480 million in cash.
Betapharm is the fourth largest and fastest growing generics company over the past five years in Germany with a strong track record of successful product launches. It has a market share of around 3.5 per cent and markets high-quality generic drugs with focus on long-term therapy products with high prescription rates.
The acquisition will help Dr Reddy's to expand its operations in Europe. Germany is one of the fastest growing generics market in Europe and Dr Reddy's growing product pipeline will come in handy to improve market share. The acquisition would add considerable marketing abilities to the European operations of Dr Reddy's.
After the issue, American Depository Shares will account for almost 21 per cent of the company's total equity.