THE deal to sell a Merseyside pharmaceutical firm to an Indian group is a sign that more Asian companies are looking to invest in the region, analysts are predicting.
Mumbai-based Marksans said earlier this month that it had entered into a “definitive agreement” to buy 100% of the shares of Widnes-based Hale Group and its subsidiary healthcare group Bell Sons & Co.
Meanwhile, India’s Tata Motors has been named as the preferred bidder for Jaguar Land Rover and its plant in Halewood that employs more than 2,000 people. Paula McGrath, corporate finance partner at PKF accountants and business advisers in Liverpool, said: “The Marksans deal proves that local businesses are attractive propositions for international businesses looking to expand. It’s a testament to the quality of the management team that deals like this can be secured.
“This deal enables Marksans to expand the Bell’s business and is a sensible move for all involved.
“I expect to see more acquisitions of North West-based medium sized businesses by companies based in the emerging markets of South East Asia and India.
“There is a real hunger from these markets to gain a foothold in the UK market in a variety of sectors.
“My view is that there will be more deals of this type during 2008.”
