Laprophan Seeks Regulatory Approval to Acquire Moroccan Pharmaceutical Firm Polymedic

09:30

Moroccan pharmaceutical group Laprophan is pursuing another major expansion opportunity with a planned acquisition of Polymedic, a long-established drug manufacturer based in Casablanca. The proposed transaction, which covers the entire capital of Polymedic’s parent company, Corporate Investment Holding (CIH), has been submitted to Morocco’s Competition Council for review.

The deal marks a further step in Laprophan’s strategy of expanding through acquisitions, diversifying its pharmaceutical portfolio and strengthening its industrial capabilities. However, the transaction cannot be completed until the necessary regulatory approvals have been secured.

A Strategic Move to Expand Pharmaceutical Operations

Under the agreement, Laprophan intends to acquire 100% of CIH, the holding company that owns Polymedic. The proposed purchase would bring together two Moroccan pharmaceutical businesses with established manufacturing operations and complementary product portfolios.

Laprophan expects the combination to generate operational benefits by bringing together product development, distribution networks, industrial facilities and commercial services. The group also aims to reinforce its logistics infrastructure and increase its capacity to develop new medicines.

The transaction could strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production by combining Polymedic’s established position in several therapeutic areas with Laprophan’s broader manufacturing and distribution network.

No transaction value or completion date has been publicly specified in the announcement.

Polymedic Brings More Than Six Decades of Industry Experience

Founded in 1964, Polymedic has developed an established presence in Morocco’s pharmaceutical sector. The company develops, manufactures and markets medicines, including products produced under licence, and employs approximately 280 people.

Its industrial facility in Casablanca covers 9,600 square metres. The company also relies on Promaceutique, its subsidiary dedicated to medical promotion, to support its commercial activities.

Polymedic’s portfolio includes 138 marketing authorisations covering more than 200 marketed products across 12 therapeutic areas. Its areas of expertise include dermatology, central nervous system treatments and cardiovascular medicines, alongside other therapeutic segments.

The laboratory also maintains long-term industrial and commercial partnerships with international pharmaceutical companies, giving the proposed acquisition potential strategic value beyond manufacturing capacity alone.

Laprophan Builds on a Series of Acquisitions

The planned purchase follows several transactions through which Laprophan has expanded its activities in Morocco and abroad.

In 2024, the group acquired the entire capital of Amanys Pharma, which operates in the hospital medicines segment, including beta-lactam antibiotics. It also purchased a 75% stake in Botanic Pharma, a company specialising in dietary supplements.

In 2026, Laprophan expanded internationally by acquiring a 60% stake in Swiss pharmaceutical company Rivopharm.

These operations form part of a broader development strategy that has positioned Laprophan as an increasingly international player. The company markets its medicines directly and indirectly in more than 50 countries, including eight where it has operational establishments.

Laprophan reports a portfolio of more than 1,300 marketing authorisations spanning 15 therapeutic areas. It employs approximately 1,450 people and operates four manufacturing sites in Morocco and Switzerland.

Its industrial infrastructure covers around 76,500 square metres of built space, with combined production capacity exceeding 180 million consumer sales units annually.

Domestic Manufacturing at the Centre of the Deal

The potential acquisition comes as pharmaceutical companies seek to strengthen their industrial capabilities, broaden their product ranges and improve the coordination of manufacturing and distribution.

For Laprophan, integrating Polymedic could expand its presence in selected therapeutic categories while adding an established production facility in Casablanca. For Polymedic, the proposed combination could offer access to a larger industrial and commercial network.

The companies’ complementary activities could also create opportunities to coordinate production, optimise distribution channels and support the development of additional medicines.

Nevertheless, these potential benefits remain dependent on the final structure and implementation of the transaction.

Competition Council Approval Remains Essential

The acquisition is still subject to the regulatory procedures required under Moroccan law. Laprophan has notified the Competition Council, whose prior approval is a key condition for the deal to proceed.

Until the review is completed and the necessary authorisations are granted, Polymedic’s proposed integration into the Laprophan group remains a project rather than a completed transaction.

If approved, the deal would represent another significant milestone in Laprophan’s expansion strategy and could contribute to the consolidation of Morocco’s domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.