Dr Tom Stratford

Kelso Pharma is headed by Dr Tom Stratford, previously CEO of Kyowa Kirin International, the European and US business arm of Kyowa Kirin, which purchased Scottish Borders based ProStrakan Group PLC in 2011. He is joined in this new venture by former KKI CFO, Allan Watson, and former KKI General Counsel, Andrew McLean.

The Kelso Pharma team has extensive experience of building and running a European specialty pharma business through M&A and licensing transactions. The acquisition of Stirling Anglian provides an initial UK platform and a springboard for future sales growth through further acquisitions, product in-licensing and geographic expansion within Europe. Stirling Anglian’s brand portfolio includes three medicines that are already in the UK healthcare market.

Tom Stratford said: “Our aim is to enhance value for the healthcare system by providing branded medicines that improve the lives of patients in a cost-effective and ethical way.

“Stirling Anglian’s business is a perfect fit with that vision and with Apposite Capital’s financial support it provides us with a UK platform from which to grow, not just in the UK but elsewhere, as we build a pan-European specialty pharma business. Stirling Anglian’s product portfolio matches Kelso Pharma’s planned focus on innovative, branded and cost-effective medicines that provide proven benefit to patients while being affordable to the healthcare system.”

Kelso Pharma is backed by Apposite Capital LLP, the private equity firm that invests in high potential commercial stage healthcare companies across Europe, with 12 healthcare businesses in its current investment portfolio.

Sam Gray, Apposite managing partner, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with such a talented and proven team of executives given their phenomenal track record in executing acquisitive and organic growth in the specialty pharmaceuticals sector. Given its growth profile, the acquisition of Stirling Anglian represents an attractive first entry point into the UK market and we share the ambition of the team to create a significant pan-European business with a focus on innovative affordable medicines.”

Tom Stratford concluded: “Stirling Anglian is a strong and growing UK business into which Kelso Pharma, with the backing of Apposite Capital, will deploy further capital, resources and additional products. We already have a new product launch planned for Q1 2022.

“We will encourage and focus on innovation in the strong belief that the medicines that our approach will create, or bring to market, will be of benefit to patients while creating value for the healthcare system.”