Pharmacists turn to prayer as Indian invasion begins

The company has already found a candidate for takeover whose profile suits its needs. Although Strides Arcolab did not reveal the name of the company, Puls Biznesu learned that it is Warsaw-based firm Solco, which is controlled by American Valeant Pharmaceuticals. "It is the next element of the restructuring of the American group, which within two years sold or closed several manufacturing plants in different countries," said the Puls Biznesu source. Strides Arcolab is interested in Solco because it wants to have a production base in Poland. "For our company it is the occasion to initiate operations in Central Europe and to widen our profile. The Polish plant also provides access to the European market," said Strides Arcolab president Arun Kumar. Domestic representatives of the pharmaceutical sector perceive the Indian producers as dangerous competition, since they produce cheap medicines and have already won many markets. "God save us from the Turks and the Indians," commented the president of one of the domestic pharmaceuticals producers' associations who wished to remain anonymous. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 4) E.B.