Debevoise & Plimpton is advising Japan’s Sawai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. on a $1.05 billion acquisition of Minnesota-based pharmaceutical company Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc.
Osaka-based Sawai makes generic drugs and plans to expand into the U.S. market by leveraging Upsher-Smith’s distribution network, client relationships and brand reputation. Headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Upsher-Smith is privately owned by the family of chief executive Mark Evenstad. The company makes about 30 types of drugs, including both generic and patented products.
