Willkie is advising Cooper Consumer Health in its offer to Viatris Inc., a global healthcare company, for Viatris’ Over-the-Counter (OTC) business. The transaction was announced on October 2, and is subject to workers’ councils information and consultation and to the approval of relevant regulatory authorities.

The acquisition will firmly establish Cooper Consumer Health as a leading healthcare platform in Europe, across a wide range of therapeutic areas. The Viatris OTC Portfolio consists of a leading portfolio of c. 200 brands mostly across Europe, with a strong medical heritage, brand equity and endorsements from both consumers and healthcare professionals. The Viatris OTC Portfolio will almost double the size of Cooper Consumer Health, with combined sales reaching over €1.1 billion. The transaction also includes two high-quality manufacturing sites (Mérignac, France, and Confienza, Italy) and one R&D center (Monza, Italy).

Cooper Consumer Health is a leading European consumer healthcare player focused on the development, production and distribution of a diverse range of branded OTC products across numerous market segments including: calming and sleeping; vitamins and minerals; sun and skincare; and footcare.

Willkie previously advised CVC Funds on their acquisition of a majority stake in Cooper Consumer Health.

The cross-border Willkie team is led by partners Cédric Hajage, Grégoire Finance, Sebastian FitzGerald and Dvir Oren.