Industry & Business

Nestlé is extending its activities to include the field of specialised medical skin treatments through the creation of Nestlé Skin Health, a global leader focused on meeting the world’s increasing skin health needs with a broad range of innovative and scientifically-proven products.

The foundation for the company would be Galderma, the 50/50 joint venture with L’Oréal, which would become fully-owned by Nestlé. Bübchen, the Swiss food group’s existing infant skincare business would be merged into the new entity. The acquisition of Galderma is awaiting final regulatory clearance.

Nestlé plans to reinforce Nestlé Skin Health with the US$1.4 billion cash acquisition from the Canadian firm Valeant Pharmaceuticals International of the full rights to commercialise several key aesthetic dermatology products in the US and Canada. The two markets together represent more than half of the fast-growing medical aesthetics market around the world. Galderma already commercialises the products included in this transaction outside those markets.

Nestlé is acquiring the full rights to commercialise in the US and Canada Restylane, Perlane and Emervel, products used for corrective facial aesthetic treatments, and Dysport, an aesthetic dermatology treatment. It will also acquire the full rights to Sculptra, a unique treatment for aesthetic and medical uses in the US, Canada and many markets around the world.

“With this deal we have acquired key strategic assets to extend Nestlé’s activities in the field of specialised, medical skin treatments, providing consumers with life-enhancing scientific products,” says Nestlé chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe.

“This move will reinforce Galderma’s leading position in the industry when it becomes Nestlé Skin Health by allowing it to complete its geographic footprint for its strong portfolio of brands and leading medical solutions globally,” points out Nestlé chief executive Paul Bulcke.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.