Large and medium size biotech companies across the world would look to partner, merge and acquire some of their Asian counterparts in the next two years as they seek to consolidate and grow at a rapid pace.
Key factors that would drive acquisitions are cost advantage, quality standards, market reach, IPR, product potential, speakers at a session on Finance & Marketing – Innovation & Investment at the Bangalore Bio 2007 observed. Debating on the advantages that Asian companies have and the opportunities they provide to western companies, Yes Bank Limited Country Head (Life Sciences & Technology) Alok Gutpa said, “the acquisitions, outsourcing deals, R&D, increasing cross border discussions on IPR licensing etc – are reinforcing the message of India’s & Asia’s growing importance in the sector.”
UK Emerging Technologies Network Agency Managing Director Crispin Kirkman said that India is an increasingly attractive destination for R&D activities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.  Western companies are looking to partner with Asian companies especially India companies because of there low cost, flexibility, increasing number of FDA/EMA for approvals.”