Kent Pharma acquires Dalkeith Group

Kent-Athlone Pharma Group has acquired drug distributor Dalkeith for an undisclosed sum.

Kent Pharmaceuticals and Athlone Laboratories is a manufacturer and distributor of specialist off patent and generic pharmaceuticals, while Dalkeith is the UK-based distributor of generic drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) products to wholesale, pharmacy and supermarket channels.

Kent will integrate the operations of Dalkeith Group – namely Dalkeith Laboratories, Herbal Concepts & OTC Concepts – into its growing business. It will also take responsibility for sales, marketing and distribution across the Dalkeith portfolio, along with the development of its strong pipeline.

Dalkeith brings more than 25 marketing authorisations for generics and OTC products, a significant supply of own label products and supplier relationships with retailers such as Superdrug, Morrison’s and Wilko.

The acquisition will enable Kent to further establish itself as a UK market leader in the generic pharmaceutical market.

“Dalkeith brings a diverse product portfolio, an exciting pipeline and robust IP. This makes it a very attractive investment – and one that closely aligns with our strategy of actively pursuing accretive bolt-on acquisitions. We look forward to continuing to actively support the Kent management team in delivering their ambitious plans,” said Charlie Troup, managing partner at Duke Street.

Debashis Dasgupta, CEO of Kent Pharmaceuticals & Athlone Laboratories, said, “Fundamentally, the acquisition of Dalkeith strengthens our portfolio and pipeline and enhances our offering to customers – and this will help us to deliver the next chapter of our long-term growth strategy.”

The Kent-Athlone Pharma Group was created in September 2019 following the acquisition of Kent Pharmaceuticals and Athlone Laboratories by Duke Street Capital, a leading European private equity group.