Stoica: This will be the year of those who save themselves

Bogdan Stoica, partner of law firm Popovici Nitu & Asociatii, which has been involved in transactions worth more than 150 million euros on the pharmaceutical market over the last two years, says 2010 will be the year "of those who save themselves", it will be a year of consolidation for big players, who "will strengthen their position significantly, as well as their market shares."

"I think 2010 will bring other transactions on the market, but they will mainly target smaller players. The first six months of 2010 will probably be the most difficult for the industry. Very tough times are ahead for small players, many of them will probably disappear. They will either go out of business, or be taken over by larger players who, owing to their force, will be able to hold out in this unfriendly environment," Stoica told Ziarul Financiar in an interview.

Stoica, 35, has been involved in deals such as the takeover of LaborMed producer by Advent International for 123 million euros (on behalf of the sellers), of MedLife by a Société Générale fund for around 20 million euros (representing the sellers), in the Ged - Diamedix 12.5 million-euro deal (on behalf of the sellers), and in the takeover by LaborMed of a 12-brand portfolio of PlantExtrakt (representing the sellers).