Endo Health Solutions to buy Paladin Labs

MALVERN, Pa. — Endo Health Solutions will acquire Canadian drug maker Paladin Labs for $1.6 billion, mostly in shares of stock, Endo said Tuesday.

Endo said the acquisition would accelerate its efforts to become a global specialty healthcare company, given Paladin's Canadian business, drug pipeline and business in emerging markets. Paladin, based in Montreal, specializes in drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, pain, urology and allergies and owns controlling and majority stakes in Mexico-based Laboratorios Paladin and South Africa-based Litha Healthcare Group.

"The acquisition of Paladin Labs accelerates Endo's transformation from an integrated health solutions company to a top-tier global specialty healthcare leader," Endo president and CEO Rajiv De Silva said. "Together with our sharpened focus, lean operating model and improved execution within our core businesses, strategic acquisitions will continue to play a key role in maximizing our growth potential and cash flow generation to drive future value for Endo shareholders."

As part of the deal, a new holding company based in Ireland, called New Endo, is being created, led by Endo's current management team. Paladin Labs will continue under its current name and maintain its Montreal headquarters.