NautaDutilh assists Coopération Pharmaceutique Française S.A.S. (Cooper) with the acquisition of the Vemedia Group from funds managed and advised by IK Investment Partners.

The combination of Vemedia and Cooper will create a European market leader in the OTC drugs sector. The two businesses are complementary and will be well positioned to lead the further consolidation of the European OTC drugs industry.

Cooper is one of the largest independent OTC players in France, which was acquired in January 2016 by funds managed and advised by Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP (alongside the Cooper management team).

Vemedia is a fast growing consumer health company, marketing leading self-medication brands primarily in selected Western European countries. Vemedia is headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands and enjoys the 1st position amongst others in its home market. During IK's ownership Vemedia Group has invested heavily behind key brands Valdispert (calming & sleeping) and Excilor (medicated foot care). Additionally, Vemedia entered the French market, expanded its export business, and completed six add-on acquisitions, of which Oenobiol and Stardea (both completed during 2016) are the most notable.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary approvals, including works council advisory proceedings