Shares of Natco Pharma Ltd climbed nearly 2% on 9 July after the company announced a major investment plan worth around Rs 2,500 crore to strengthen its presence in South Africa and expand across the African pharmaceutical market. 

According to the company’s latest regulatory filing, Natco will invest nearly Rs 1,400 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary, Natco Pharma South Africa Proprietary Limited. In addition, the company will invest about Rs 1,069 crore to increase its stake in South Africa-based Adcock Ingram Holdings from 35.75% to 49% by acquiring 19.62 million shares at ZAR 92.50 per share. 

The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of July 2026, subject to customary conditions. The investment reflects Natco’s strategy to strengthen its footprint in South Africa while expanding into other African markets.

The latest investment follows Natco’s successful acquisition of a 35.75% stake in Adcock Ingram, which was completed in November 2025 through its South African subsidiary. Since then, Adcock has become an associate company, contributing to Natco’s consolidated financial performance. 

In its recent FY26 financial disclosures, the company also highlighted the incorporation of Natco Pharma South Africa and the ongoing demerger process of its crop health sciences business into a separate wholly owned subsidiary, reflecting its focus on business expansion and portfolio restructuring.

Adcock Ingram, established in 1890, operates across prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, consumer healthcare and hospital solutions, making it one of South Africa’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

At 2:35 pm, the shares of Natco Pharma were trading 0.23% higher at Rs 968.55 on NSE. 

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