Valeant Pharmaceuticals International CEO Touts Aggressive Growth Plans; Aims to Double, Quadruple Revenue

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc (VRX.TO: Quote), already Canada’s biggest listed drugmaker, could double or quadruple revenue “in the foreseeable future,” the company’s chief executive said on Friday. Chief Executive Michael Pearson said he believes Valeant could reach $10 billion to $20 billion in annual revenue. “We do have the aspiration, at Valeant, to grow into a major pharmaceutical company,” he said on a guidance call with analysts and investors. Valeant has been on the acquisition trail since its 2010 takeover by Biovail Corp, which assumed the Valeant name. Pearson, who has focused on cash acquisitions, said he would use equity for the right deals, what he described as “mergers of equals” that could offer cost savings and tax benefits. But Pearson said the company would still avoid businesses that rely on government reimbursements, as well as those in Western Europe. Valeant has favored segments, such as dermatology and ophthalmology, where patients often pay out of pocket, cutting its exposure to cost-sensitive insurance programs.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC