Janssen Pharmaceutica NV has announced it has received an irrevocable, unconditional offer from Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, to acquire its Janssen Animal Health business. Elanco is a global, innovation driven company that develops and markets products to improve animal health and protein production in more than 75 countries.

Under the terms of the offer, Elanco would acquire products, manufacturing licences, distribution rights and the existing contract portfolio, as well as the related intellectual property and marketing authorizations. The terms of the offer also include that the employees, active in 11 different countries, would be transferred to Elanco to support a significantly expanded portfolio of products. Financial terms of the offer are not being disclosed.

The acceptance period for the offer will end late during the second fiscal quarter of 2011 unless extended and during this period Janssen Pharmaceutica NV will consult with the relevant works councils and trade unions.

Janssen Pharmaceutica NV is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, which are dedicated to addressing and resolving the major unmet medical needs of our time. More specifically, this relates to oncology (e.g. multiple myeloma and prostate cancer), immunology (e.g. psoriasis), neurosciences (e.g. schizophrenia, dementia and pain relief), infectious diseases (e.g. HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and tuberculosis), and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Driven by its commitment to patients, the company develops sustainable and integrated health care solutions by working side by side with all stakeholders in health care on the basis of transparent partnerships of trust.

Janssen Animal Health is a division within Janssen Pharmaceutica, Beerse (Belgium) with operations in 11 countries. It focuses on targeted disease segments in companion animals and livestock with special focus on pigs and poultry.