Brands
AB steps up to the crease for Sneaker LAB’s clean sweep in India
MUMBAI: When a brand believes in keeping your sneakers spotless and the planet spotless too, who better to lead the charge in India than cricket’s cleanest hitter AB de Villiers? Sneaker LAB, the South Africa-born brand making waves with its biotechnology-powered, eco-friendly sneaker care, has found the perfect partner in cricketing legend AB de Villiers. The campaign marks the brand’s official India debut and brings together two things the country can’t get enough of: cricket and sneakers.
Tapping into India’s rapidly growing sneaker culture, the campaign showcases Sneaker LAB’s hero product, a probacterial formula that uses good bacteria to break down dirt and odour, long after you’ve wiped. It’s sneaker cleaning at its most sustainable and science-led.
Sharing his thoughts on the association Sneaker LAB brand partner and South African cricketer AB de Villiers said, “When Sneaker LAB approached me, I instantly connected with their fresh approach and purpose-led vision. They are doing something different by combining science, sustainability, and style in a way that truly stands out. I am proud to represent a brand that is not just innovative but also committed to doing good in a country that I am deeply connected to.”
Speaking about the campaign Sneaker LAB founder Jo Farah shares, “This campaign captures the essence of what we stand for at Sneaker LAB, a belief that innovation and sustainability can come together in everyday life. Launching the campaign in India is a meaningful step for us and having AB de Villiers lead this journey makes it even more special. His story, his values, and his connection with Indian fans bring depth to our message, and we are proud to start this new chapter with him.”
As part of its launch, Sneaker LAB is rolling out a three-month ‘Golden Wipe’ campaign. Starting 16 May, five lucky fans who find a golden sneaker wipe inside select boxes will win a chance to meet AB de Villiers in person, a move that blends cricket fever with sneaker obsession in true collector-worthy fashion.
With AB de Villiers on board and a swipe of science-backed style, Sneaker LAB’s India innings looks all set to bowl over conscious consumers one wipe at a time.
Brands
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.
