JB Chem buys probiotic, reproductive health brands

MUMBAI: Mumbai-based JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (JBCPL) announced an acquisition of probiotic and reproductive health brands from Sanzyme for Rs 628 crore.

The acquisition will mark JBCPL’s entry into the fast-growing probiotics, therapeutic nutraceuticals and reproductive health market with an attractive set of brands, a company statement said.

Sanzyme, ranked amongst the top five probiotics players in the country, is engaged in the manufacture, distribution and marketing of specialty probiotics formulations, infertility management products and nutraceuticals products. The brands including Sporlac, Lobun, Oxalo, Pubergen, Nano-leo and Gynogen will now be part of the JBCPL franchise.

The probiotics portfolio includes Sporlac (third-largest probiotics brand) and specialized products such as Lobun (probiotic used for delaying progression of chronic kidney disease) and Oxalo (alternate risk-free therapy to decalcify kidney stones).


As per IQVIA MAT Dec’ 21 data, the revenue for the combined brands was Rs 160 crore.


JBCPL will be amongst the top five probiotics players in the country, in a segment which is growing at around 12-14%. This category creates synergies with its strong prescriber base in gastroenterology and nephrology segments.

Sanzyme operates in the gastroenterology, nephrology, urology and gynecology therapy areas.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the next two weeks, subject to customary closing formalities.

“We are glad to announce our first acquisition which expands our presence into new therapeutic areas and also increases the addressable opportunity in the Indian pharma market. This is in line with our stated objective of building big brands through category leaders. Sanzyme has been a pioneer in the probiotics segment and we wish to build further on this legacy” Nikhil Chopra, CEO & whole-time director, JBCPL.

“This acquisition also reinforces our strategic intent to evaluate opportunities to supplement our growth ambition in India. Overall, our objective is to deploy capital judiciously to enhance value for all stakeholders.”

The acquired brands have a pan-India presence and wide distribution reach of around 3 lakh chemists and around one lakh prescribers, it added.