Thornton and Ross purchased by Stada Arzneimittel

Thornton and Ross has been acquired by Stada Arzneimittel, a German healthcare company specialising in generic medicines.

The deal has been valued at 221.12 million pounds and will allow Stada to strengthen its position in the British healthcare market.

Based in Huddersfield, Thornton and Ross represents an attractive commercial asset due to its diverse portfolio of well-known prescription-free over-the-counter branded products for a wide variety of indications, including colds, pain and dermatology.

The firm generated sales of 66.23 million pounds in the 2012/13 business year, up by 11 percent on the previous 12-month period, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK pharmaceutical sector.

A Stada statement from earlier this month said: "The Stada Group will strengthen its business activities in the British pharmaceutical market in the segment for branded products for self-medication, which is especially strategically important."

Stada also hopes to introduce prescription-free branded products from its comprehensive portfolio in the UK in future.