Milliardenabschreiber: Der australische Pharmakonzern CSL hat sich mit seiner Schweizer Tochter Vifor gründlich verrechnet
Bezahlt hatte CSL vor vier Jahren für Vifor fast 12 Milliarden Dollar. Nun sieht sich der Konzern gezwungen, rund ein Drittel dieser Summe abzuschreiben. Die Wertberichtigungen werden von einem umfangreichen Stellenabbau begleitet.
Australien's CSL pharmaceutical group has significantly undervalued its Swiss subsidiary Vifor by nearly one third, a move accompanied by major layoffs. The write-downs come as part of extensive restructuring, following the company's acquisition of Vifor for $11.7 billion in 2022. CSL had hoped to bolster its position in kidney disease treatments and expand with iron supplements through the deal.
However, the acquisition has led to disappointing results, particularly in the iron deficiency therapy segment. Vifor's flagship product, Ferinject, saw a 19% decline in sales last year, dropping to $653 million. CSL attributes the write-downs largely to intensified competition, especially from generic manufacturers. The segment, which now brings in $2.4 billion in revenue, is forecast to see a 25% sales decline this year, mainly due to continued competition and the loss of EU approval for the medication Tavneos.
Despite the challenges, CSL's share price rose over 17% on Tuesday, likely driven by optimism about the company's overall outlook. The company's primary revenue source, immunoglobulins, is expected to grow, although analysts predict a modest increase. CSL has also made progress in reducing costs, cutting its workforce by 4% and aiming for further savings of up to $550 million annually.
The company plans to consolidate its research and development efforts in Switzerland, closing its Bern facility and reducing its global research centers from 11 to 6.
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