DSK Legal: Advises Viyash BioForLife Acquisition in Italy

• Viyash Scientific Limited acquired 100% shareholding of BioForLife Italia S.r.l., a Milan-based pet-care company, for approximately ₹188 crore.
• DSK Legal advised Viyash Scientific and its subsidiary Alivira Animal Health Limited on all aspects of the acquisition, including structuring, negotiation, and documentation.
• BDO Italy conducted legal, financial, and tax due diligence and assisted with Italian legal compliance for the Share Purchase Agreement.
• The transaction was completed on October 1, 2026, following the necessary approvals under Italian FDI / Golden Power Regulations.
• Viyash Scientific is an Indian publicly listed pharmaceutical company with a global presence in human and veterinary products.

The transaction, valued at approximately ₹188 crore, signifies a notable expansion for Viyash into the European pet-care market.

Viyash Scientific Limited, an Indian publicly listed pharmaceutical company with a global presence in both human and veterinary formulations and APIs, has successfully completed the acquisition of BioForLife Italia S.r.l. This strategic move involved securing 100% of the shareholding in the Milan-based pet-care enterprise. The transaction, valued at approximately ₹188 crore, signifies a notable expansion for Viyash into the European pet-care market.

DSK Legal provided comprehensive advisory services to Viyash Scientific and its step-down wholly owned subsidiary, Alivira Animal Health Limited, based in Ireland, throughout the acquisition process. Their involvement spanned critical aspects, including the intricate structuring of the transaction and the identification of the appropriate acquiring entity within Viyash's corporate framework. The firm's team was instrumental in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and ultimately finalizing the share purchase agreement (SPA) alongside various ancillary agreements essential for the deal's completion. This DSK Legal advises Viyash BioForLife acquisition highlights their expertise in complex cross-border M&A transactions.

The legal team from DSK Legal, comprising Partner Jayesh Kothari, Associate Partner Rajlaxmi Kale, and Senior Associate Sreedatri Dhar, played a pivotal role in the negotiation phase. They represented Viyash and Alivira during in-person negotiations with the sellers in Milan, Italy, ensuring Viyash's interests were robustly advocated. Beyond the contractual specifics, DSK Legal offered general advisory services concerning the transaction and critical commercial agreements linked to the acquisition, providing end-to-end support until the deal's completion.

Supporting DSK Legal's efforts, BDO Italy conducted thorough legal, financial, and tax due diligence on BioForLife Italia S.r.l. BDO Italy's expertise was crucial in assisting DSK Legal with the drafting, negotiation, execution, and closing procedures under the Share Purchase Agreement, ensuring compliance with Italian legal requirements. This collaborative approach underscores the complexities inherent in international mergers and acquisitions, particularly when navigating diverse legal frameworks.

A key condition for the successful conclusion of the acquisition was the receipt of approvals under the Italian FDI / Golden Power Regulations. This regulatory hurdle, which applies to foreign direct investments in strategic sectors in Italy, was successfully navigated, allowing the transaction to be finalized on October 1, 2026. The successful clearance under these regulations demonstrates the meticulous planning and execution required for Indian entities acquiring European assets, especially in sectors deemed sensitive by local governments.

This cross-border M&A advisory involving an Indian acquirer and an Italian target, with DSK Legal at the helm, serves as a significant precedent. It showcases the firm's capability to manage intricate international deals, including those with specific regulatory challenges like the Italian FDI Golden Power Regulations. The successful acquisition of Viyash Scientific BioForLife Italia acquisition reinforces DSK Legal's position as a leading advisor for companies undertaking global expansion strategies, particularly in the pharmaceutical and animal health sectors.

This deal highlights DSK Legal's expertise in complex cross-border M&A transactions, particularly those involving Indian entities acquiring European assets. Lawyers should note the involvement of Italian FDI/Golden Power Regulations, indicating a critical regulatory hurdle for such deals, and consider DSK Legal as a precedent for structuring and negotiating international share purchase agreements.

Source: Original reporting via legal industry news.