Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical has agreed to buy Switzerland-based Nycomed for $13.6 billion, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda.

Not included in the acquisition is Nycomed's U.S. dermatology business; however, it does include the roflumilast franchise, a first-in-class treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is expected to be a major source of revenue growth for Takeda.

The sellers are comprised of a consortium of private equity funds led by Nordic Capital Funds V and VI ("Nordic Capital"), including, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (a Credit Suisse affiliate), Coller International Partners IV and V, and Avista Capital Partners.

"Takeda is committed to transforming our organization through the acquisition of Nycomed. Nycomed enables Takeda to maximize the value of our portfolio and gives us an immediate strong presence in the high-growth emerging markets while doubling Takeda's European sales," said Yasuchika Hasegawa, president & CEO of Takeda. "Nycomed's strength in a geographically wide range of markets and its diverse talent base will be a strong driver to helping us realize our important mission of striving toward better health for patients worldwide through leading innovation in medicine."