Shasun Chemicals: Smooth integration of maiden acquisition

S Vimal Kumar, whole time director, Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Limited, talks on the integration of his companies'' acquisitions in the UK .

S Vimal KumaChennai: It takes two to tango. S Vimal Kumar, whole time director, Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Limited, would readily agree with that. For Shasun Chemicals, and its wholly owned UK subsidiary Shasun Pharma Solutions Limited, that means working in tandem towards a common goal - a higher share in contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS).

It may be recalled that the Chennai-based bulk drug company Shasun Chemicals made it''s maiden acquisition of two plants in the UK from the French drug company Rhodia SA, in 2006 through Shasun Pharma Solutions. The operations were subsequently integrated with that of the parent company.

"The integration was smooth. We retained the top management and did not reduce the workforce," he says. Today, a common marketing team meets prospects to sell the services of the parent as well as that of the subsidiary companies. Depending on the customer''s preference and other aspects, the location of executing the orders are decided," says Kumar.

The UK operations have contributed handsomely towards Shasun Chemicals'' consolidated revenues, which will be in the region of Rs780 crore for FY07. The company is fast moving towards the magic figure of Rs1,000 crore.

Here Kumar talks in detail about the integration and also about Shasun Chemicals'' plans. Excerpts.