Kelso Pharma has announced its first acquisition with the aim to improve value in the healthcare system.
The company, backed by Apposite Capital, revealed it had acquired Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals.
Headed by Dr Tom Stratford, Kelso Pharma aims to bring innovative and value-added specialty medicines to the European healthcare markets.
The firm’s first acquisition of Glasgow-based, Stirling Anglian should provide an initial UK platform for future sales growth, product in-licensing and geographic expansion within Europe.
Stirling Anglian’s brand portfolio includes three medicines that are already in the UK healthcare market.
Announcing the first acquisition for Kelso Pharma, Stratford said: “Our aim is to enhance value for the healthcare system by providing branded medicines that improve the lives of patients in a cost-effective and ethical way.
“Stirling Anglian’s business is a perfect fit with that vision and with Apposite Capital’s financial support it provides us with a UK platform from which to grow, not just in the UK but elsewhere, as we build a pan-European specialty pharma business.”
Kelso Pharma is backed by Apposite Capital LLP, the private equity firm that invests in high potential commercial stage healthcare companies across Europe.
Apposite Capital’s Managing Partner, Sam Gray said: “We are delighted to be partnering with such a talented and proven team of executives given their phenomenal track record in executing acquisitive and organic growth in the specialty pharmaceuticals sector.
“Given its growth profile, the acquisition of Stirling Anglian represents an attractive first entry point into the UK market and we share the ambition of the team to create a significant pan-European business with a focus on innovative affordable medicines.”
Stratford is the former CEO of Kyowa Kirin International (KKI) which purchased Scottish Borders based ProStrakan Group PLC in 2011.
Stratford is joined in his new venture by former KKI CFO, Allan Watson and former KKI General Counsel, Andrew McLean
Stratford added: “Stirling Anglian is a strong and growing UK business into which Kelso Pharma, with the backing of Apposite Capital, will deploy further capital, resources and additional products. We already have a new product launch planned for Q1 2022.
“We will encourage and focus on innovation in the strong belief that the medicines that our approach will create, or bring to the market, will be of benefit to patients while creating value for the healthcare system.”
