Indian arms to get stronger

FEBRUARY 7: Pfizer’s Indian affiliate is currently ranked ninth with a market share of 2.15 per cent, while Parke-Davis India comes lower down at 22 (market share of 1.42 per cent). In contrast, a merger of Warner Lambert and American Home Products (respresented by Wyeth Lederle) would have seen the duo’s ranking move up to number four in India.

“A Pfizer-Parke Davis marriage is one of strength, rather than one aimed at overcoming weaknesses… and is backed by strong brands and varying but complementary strengths in the market place,” say analysts. Pfizer is growing at over 10 per cent, while Parke-Davis notched a growth rate of 4.9 per cent as per ORG figures (MAT) for August 1999. However, a worrying aspect could competing brands in the cough and cold segment as Pfizer has Corex, while Parke-Davis has Benedryl in its product arsenal.

"Pfizer is known for its agressive on-market push, while Parke-Davis comes with popular brands like Ferradol, Waterbury’s compound with tremendous OTC potential. If Pfizer’s marketing strengths are used to push Parke-Davis brands, we are talking of a different growth potential. The future seems really bright for both partners," said an analyst.