Espicom's generics company reports will help you to understand the dynamic and complex issues affecting the business of leading generic industry players. These informative reports provide an insight into the company, covering the structure of the business, the most recent quarterly and annual financial results, information on the company's active product lines and ANDA approvals, along with a review of major developments, such as M&A activity, strategic alliances, and litigation. Zentiva was created through the merger of the Czech company, Léciva, and the Slovak firm Slovakofarma, which was completed in August 2003. The two former companies began selling products under the Zentiva name from the beginning of September 2003.

Zentiva specialises in the development of generics, and holds leading market positions in both the Czech and Slovak Republics. Outside of these two home markets, Zentiva's most important markets are those of Central and Eastern Europe, and in particular Poland, Romania and Russia. The company is establishing new businesses in other territories, including Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria and Ukraine, and most recently Turkey.

Drugs are usually sold as branded generics. Simvastatin (sold as Simvacard) was Zentiva's leading product in 2006, with a rise in sales of 39.4% over 2005 and equal to 7.0% of overall revenues. Omeprazole (Helicid) was second with a rise of 20.2%.

In April 2005, Zentiva launched its atorvastatin product in the Czech Republic, leading to a litigation battle with Pfizer.

In March 2006, sanofi-aventis acquired a 24.9% stake in Zentiva. The shares were purchased for 430.3 million euros, and have made sanofi-aventis Zentiva's largest shareholder. Zentiva has since acquired a number of generic products from SA.

In March 2007, Zentiva announced it was entering the Turkish market with the purchase of a 75% stake in Eczacibasi Generic Pharmaceuticals, a major domestic pharmaceutical supplier in Turkey, from EIS Eczacibasi Ilaç Sanayi ve Ticaret, for EUR 460 million in cash, on a cash and debt-free basis. The seller will retain a 25 per cent stake, which Zentiva will have a right to purchase after a two-year period.