Upon completion of the acquisition, Elanco will be the second-largest animal health company in terms of global revenue, will solidify its No. 2 ranking in the U.S., and improve its position in Europe and the rest of the world, according to the company.

With a presence in around 40 countries and 2013 revenue of about $1.1 billion, NAH is focused on developing better ways to prevent and treat diseases in pets, farm animals and farmed fish. Lilly will acquire NAH’s nine manufacturing sites, six dedicated research and development facilities, a global commercial infrastructure with a portfolio of about 600 products, a robust pipeline with more than 40 projects in development, and an experienced team of more than 3,000 employees.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will acquire all assets of NAH for a total purchase price of about $5.4 billion, including anticipated tax benefits. Lilly plans to fund this acquisition with around $3.4 billion of cash-on-hand and $2.0 billion in debt to be issued.

No other financial terms of the transaction are being disclosed. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2015, subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, similar requirements outside the U.S., and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is not subject to any financing conditions.

By improving efficiencies and reducing costs across both Elanco and NAH, Lilly expects to achieve estimated cost savings of around $200 million per year within three years of deal closing, equating to more than 10 percent of operating expenses from the combined animal health businesses. Excluding the amortization of intangibles, Lilly expects the combined entity to achieve EBIT as a percent of revenue in the mid-20 percent range by 2018.

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The company expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings on a cash basis beginning in 2016, excluding integration costs. The timing of accretion on a GAAP basis is dependent upon final purchase accounting. The acquisition is not expected to change the company’s dividend policy or current share repurchase program.

John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., Lilly’s chairman, president and CEO, said that the acquisition of NAH validates the company’s commitment to Elanco as a key component of Lilly’s business going forward.

“Animal health continues to represent an attractive growth opportunity for Lilly. We intend to keep Elanco and to take advantage of the substantial synergies between our animal health and human health businesses,” Lechleiter said. “Significant investments in our animal health business in recent years have enabled Elanco to double its revenue since 2008, leading the industry in growth.

“Global trends suggest continued sustained demand for animal health products in the years ahead. Through this acquisition, which moves Elanco to top-tier in the industry, we intend to create value for our shareholders by adding to our promising pipeline of innovative animal health assets, increasing sales through a larger commercial footprint, and improving efficiencies and lowering costs.” end mark 

—From Elanco news release