Ukraine in January-February 2018 considerably increased exports of medicines to Russia, cutting their imports from the country. According to the State Statistics Service, in January-February 2018, Ukraine exported medicines for $3.5 million to Russia, which is 18% more than a year ago. Imports of medicines from Russia to Ukraine over the period fell by 40.4%, to $2.85 million.
Last year Ukraine exported medicines to Russia for $27.89 million, which is 31.9% more than a year ago, and imported medicines for $29.79 million from Russia (15.9% down). In 2017, Ukraine exported medicines for $171.17 million, including to the CIS for $143.057 million.
As reported, at present, because of the sanctions imposed on Russia, Russia is discussing the ways of replacing imported medicines and reducing dependence on foreign pharmaceutical companies. The decline in the imports of Russian medicines to Ukraine began after the introduction of the requirement of compliance of drugs with GMP standards in Ukraine.
Turkish brewer Anadolu Efes and AB InBev have received all required regulatory approvals to combine their businesses in Russia and Ukraine, have signed binding transactions agreements and expect to complete the deal in March, Efes said. Anadolu Efes also disclosed the structure of the deal. Its subsidiary Efes Breweries International N.V. will transfer is 99.999% owned subsidiary Moscow Efes Brewery (MEB) to its wholly owned new subsidiary AB InBev Efes B.V. Then AB InBev Western European Holding will contribute its Russian and Ukrainian assets to this company in exchange for new shares in AB InBev Efes.
After the issue of new shares, Efes Breweries International and AB InBev Western European Holding will each own 50% of AB InBev Efes.
AB InBev’s Russian and Ukrainian assets have been valued at $1.002 billion-$1.233 billion for the deal, based on the discounted cash flow method, while the assets of Efes were valued at $962 million-$1.145 billion. The combined business is expected to result in annual cost synergies of about $80 million-$100 million. The merger of operations in Russia and Ukraine will strengthen the competitive position of both companies’ brands, with potential for future growth, Efes said. The combined business will aim to lead the Russian and Ukrainian beer markets, the company said.
