The South African arm of Nycomed has its origins in 1996 when two German companies, Byk Gulden and Madaus AG entered into a joint venture in South Africa and Byk Madaus was created. All products were managed in one combined portfolio and came from either Byk Gulden, Madaus or were in-licenced from other companies. Packaging, warehousing and distribution operations were carried out at a warehouse facility in Midrand.
In 2001, the company outsourced its distribution to PHD.
In 2002, Altana Pharma was launched when Altana bought out the Byk portion of the Byk Madaus joint venture.
In 2003 a further name change took place and the company became the South African joint venture known as Altana Madaus. It was during this period that a separate OTC and Rx division were launched, the Midrand facility was sold and the company moved from Midrand to Woodmead.
In 2007 Nycomed GmbH acquired Altana Pharma and Rottapharm acquired Madaus GmbH. A further name change took place and the local company became known as Nycomed Madaus.
In 2008, Nycomed GmbH acquired the Madaus 50% share of the joint venture and the South African business now falls under the sole control of the Nycomed group of companies. The business has recently moved to Bryanston, Johannesburg.
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