Sun Pharmaceutical Industries said Wednesday the company has started the process of integration of Ranbaxy's business following the successful closure of its merger. 'The integration, planned by Sun Pharma over many months, will focus on supporting strong growth.'

The merger has fortified Sun Pharma's position as the world's fifth largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company and the top ranking Indian Pharma company with significant lead in market share. The combined entity's manufacturing footprint covers 5 continents with products sold in over 150 nations with a stronger presence in US, India, Asia, Europe, South Africa, CIS & Russia and Latin America.

Sun Pharma now offers a large basket of specialty and generic products encompassing a broad range of chronic and acute prescription drugs as well as a ready foray into the global consumer healthcare market. Post-merger, Daiichi Sankyo becomes the second largest shareholder in Sun Pharma and both companies will work together to leverage this relationship for global business growth, the company said.

The combination allows Sun Pharma to:

> Significantly expand its R&D capabilities and global presence, especially across emerging markets

> Enhance product portfolio and market depth in India, US as well as Rest of the World markets

> Improve strategic flexibility, ability to pursue partnerships and strengthen M&A bandwidth

Following the closure of this transaction, Ranbaxy will be delisted from the Indian Stock Exchanges. Ranbaxy shareholders will receive 0.8 share of Sun Pharma for each share of Ranbaxy. On pro forma basis for 12 months ended December 2014, Sun Pharma's gross margin stands at 76% (Industry average 62%); EBIDTA margin at 32% (industry average 19%) and Net margin at 20% (Industry average 12%).

Israel Makov, chairman, Sun Pharma said, ''The combined entity will capitalize on the expanded global footprint and enhance our dominance as a world leader in the specialty generics landscape. Sun remains committed to uncompromised product quality, 100% compliance and promotes innovation to create the most dynamic global specialty generics pharmaceutical company. We believe that our shareholders, customers and employees will share our excitement in the potential of this combination and thank them for their continued support.''

Sun Pharma has identified three key priority levers to drive growth in the combined entity

> Achieving 100% compliance in manufacturing in line with Regulator expectations
> Increase R&D productivity to introduce new innovative products
> Strong business growth across US, India, and Rest of the World markets

Dilip Shanghvi, managing director, Sun Pharma further added, ''It is an important milestone in the history of Sun Pharma as we enter into a new phase of growth. We will continue to focus on gaining trust of the Regulators globally while continuing to develop products based on patient needs and leverage them to become brand leaders globally.''

Shares of the company gained Rs 6.85, or 0.66%, to trade at Rs 1,046.70. The total volume of shares traded was 148,030 at the BSE (12.45 p.m., Wednesday).