Strides Pharma has announced that its associate company, OneSource Specialty Pharma Ltd., has received confirmed commitments for fundraising of INR 8,010 mn (~USD 95 mn) from marquee domestic and foreign institutional investors and family offices in the pre-listing round.

The share subscription agreements are being executed at a pre-money equity value of USD 1.65 bn, delivering to Strides’ shareholders an embedded value of INR 663 per share of Strides’ holding in OneSource representing an ~82 percent premium over the previous embedded value of INR 364 per share as per the scheme of arrangement announced earlier in September’23.

The strong interest from leading investors reflects growing confidence in our capabilities and the immense potential of the CDMO sector emerging out of India. This fundraise is in line with the Scheme of Arrangement announced in September'23, and the investment is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of necessary regulatory approvals.

DSK Legal acted as the legal counsel for OneSource and Transaction Square was the advisor to the scheme.

On 25th September’23, Strides announced the creation of OneSource, India’s first specialty pharma pure-play CDMO player, by integrating Stelis’ Biologics CDMO, SteriScience's Complex Injectables, and Strides' Soft Gelatine businesses in a single entity by way of Scheme of Arrangement.

As part of the scheme, Strides shareholders are to receive 1 share of OneSource for every 2 shares of Strides.

OneSource is in the process of seeking final approval for the scheme from NCLT, Mumbai Bench, to thereafter achieve the listing of equity shares by March’25, upon receipt of regulatory approvals.

Arun Kumar, Founder of Strides Group, and Neeraj Sharma, CEO of OneSource in a statement said, "We are delighted to have received an overwhelming response to the pre-listing fundraising from a marquee set of investors on our cap table prior to our listing. Their strong support is a testament to the confidence they have in our vision and strategic direction. This fundraise will enable us to accelerate our growth plans, right-size our debt book, and commit significant new capex for a strong order book across our 3 platforms.”

Badree Komandur, MD & Group CEO of Strides, said, “We are pleased to have successfully received equity commitments for OneSource, ensuring its future growth. The transaction will unlock ~INR 61,000 mn (~USD 725 mn) of value for Strides’ shareholders. The significant premium that will be achieved from this transaction for Strides’ shareholders is a testament to our continued value creation for our stakeholders."