MAM
Leo Burnett Worldwide president Bob Brennan resigns
MUMBAI: After just under three years, the Publicis Groupe advertising network Leo Burnett Worldwide’s president Robert (Bob) C Brennan is out, it was announced yesterday.
Till a replacement is found, Leo Burnett chairman-CEO Linda Wolf will hold additional charge of Brennan’s portfolio for North America, including the agency’s flagship office, Leo Burnett USA, Chicago. Roger Haupt, president and chief operating officer of Publicis Groupe, will meanwhile hold additional charge of Burnett’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa region operations until a new managing director is named.
Brennan was appointed head of Leo Burnett in January 2001. He was brought in from Starcom MediaVest Group where he was COO. Brennan’s apointment had been a metter of debate at the time as he his entire career till that point had been in media services.
Speaking of Brennan’s departure, Wolf was quoted in an official statement: “As we determine the best management structure for our global network and our multinational clients, it’s important to know that both Roger (Haupt) and I are stepping in to focus on and assist in two key regions — the US and Europe.”
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Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in $11.75 billion deal at $14 per share
Acquisition to create $12.4 billion pharma giant with global scale and biosimilars push
MUMBAI: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, marking one of the largest cross-border pharma acquisitions by an Indian firm.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon shareholders will receive $14.00 per share in cash, with Sun Pharma set to acquire 100 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
The deal significantly expands Sun Pharma’s global footprint and strengthens its position across women’s health, biosimilars, and branded generics. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues of around $12.4 billion, placing it among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies globally.
Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, brings a portfolio of over 70 products spanning women’s health and general medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries. Its established presence in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China complements Sun Pharma’s existing strengths and growth ambitions.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited executive chairman Dilip Shanghvi said, “This transaction represents a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to build on its vision of reaching people and touching lives. Organon’s portfolio, capabilities and global reach are highly complementary to our own.”
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited managing director Kirti Ganorkar added, “This transaction is a logical next step in strengthening Sun Pharma’s global business. Together, we will become a partner of choice for acquiring and launching new products.”
From Organon’s side, Organon & Co. executive chair Carrie Cox noted, “This all-cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders, while positioning the business for continued growth under Sun Pharma.”
Strategically, the acquisition gives Sun Pharma entry into the global biosimilars space as a top 10 player and strengthens its innovative medicines portfolio, which is expected to contribute around 27 per cent of combined revenues. The deal is also expected to nearly double EBITDA and cash flow, supporting long-term deleveraging and investment capacity.
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and committed financing from global banks, while maintaining focus on disciplined integration and operational continuity post-merger.
If completed as planned, the deal signals a clear shift in India’s pharmaceutical ambitions, from scale at home to leadership on the global stage, with Sun Pharma positioning itself as a more diversified and innovation-led healthcare powerhouse.
