CSL puts $16.4b bet on ageing, obesity

Carrie LaFrenz and Jemima Whyte

Updated Dec 14, 2021 – 7.17pm, first published at 5.10pm

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Biotech giant CSL has sealed a $16.4 billion buyout of Switzerland’s Vifor Pharma Group, gaining a foothold in rapidly growing markets for kidney disease and iron deficiency treatments that complements its core immunodeficiency and haemophilia therapies.

CSL has offered $US179.25 per Vifor Pharma share – valuing the Swiss pharmaceutical company’s equity at $US11.7 billion ($16.4 billion) – and secured a unanimous recommendation from the target’s board.

Carrie LaFrenz is a senior journalist covering retail/consumer goods. She previously covered healthcare/biotech. Carrie has won multiple awards for her journalism including financial journalist of the year from The National Press Club.

Jemima Whyte writes on business, specialising in companies, capital markets and innovation. Jemima has reported on business for The Australian Financial Review for more than 13 years.