History

Zentiva’s roots reach back more than 500 years to a small pharmacy that still exists today in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic.

Back in 2009, Zentiva was acquired by Sanofi, and later in 2018, it was carved out by Advent International. From 2020 onwards, we have been expanding our business to new territories in Europe and complemented our portfolio in main therapeutical areas. And our exciting growth journey just began. Within four years we were successful in doubling the size of the company, expanding our geographical footprint to all of Europe, covering main therapeutical areas and standard treatments.

By offering our products and services at a high-quality, and at the same time an affordable price, we make a huge contribution to public health.

  • 2025

    Zentiva acquires heritage brands from Aboca to expand natural-based Consumer Healthcare solutions across Europe. Read more

    Zentiva and Lupin Sign License and Supply Agreement for TNF alpha inhibitor biosimilar medicine. Read more

  • 2023

    Strategic partnership

    Adalvo and Zentiva sign licensing agreement Respiratory, CNS, and Dermatology therapeutic areas in Europe. Read more

  • 2022

    Expanding footprint

    Expansion to the Netherlands and Austria markets.

  • 2021

    Expanding footprint

    Zentiva establishes operations in Spain.

    Acquisition of 3 market-leading products of ADGC’s OTC portfolio in Germany.

    Strategic growth

    Zentiva establishes a strategic franchise model focused on key therapeutic areas: Cardiovascular, Consumer Health, Oncology, Respiratory, and Diabetes.

    Launch of first Biosimilar in collaboration with mAbxience in 21 countries across Europe. Read more

    Wound healing innovation in the Czech Republic.

  • 2020

    Expanding footprint

    Expansion into Nordics region.

    Strategic growth

    Zentiva completes Cardio portfolio in Italy.

  • 2019

    Expanding footprint

    Acquisition of Creo Pharmaceuticals Ltd Read more in the UK and Solacium Pharma in Romania. Read more

    Acquisition of Alvogen’s Central and Eastern European business. Read more

    Strategic growth

    Acquisition of manufacturing and R&D site in Ankleshwar, India. Read more

  • 2018

    Carving Out

    Acquisition of Zentiva by the Advent International equity fund. Read more

  • 2009

    Expanding footprint

    Acquisition of Helvepharm, Switzerland.

  • 2008

    Strategic growth

    Zentiva merges with the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi.

  • 2005

    Expanding footprint

    Acquisition of generics company Sicomed, Romania.

  • 2004

    Zentiva goes public

    Zentiva listed on Prague and London stock exchange.

  • 2003

    Expanding footprint

    Acquisition of Slovakfarma.

  • 1998

    Strategic refocus

    Zentiva’s management acquires a majority stake in the company and sets a new strategic focus on branded generic medicines.

  • 1993

    Restoration of democracy and change of the group name

    Following the fall of the communist regime in 1989, the company underwent numerous changes. In 1993, it adopted the brand name “Zentiva,” inspired by an anagram of the Czech word vítězný, meaning “victorious.”

  • 1946

    Nationalization

    After World War II, B. Fragner, along with 25 other pharmaceutical companies, was nationalized as part of broader state-controlled restructuring.

  • 1930

    The beginning of mass production

    Jiri Fragner, the youngest son of Karel Fragner, together with his brother Jaroslav, an architect, established the B. Fragner pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Dolni Mecholupy.

  • 1800

    Start of the Fragner legacy

    In 1857, Benjamin Fragner buys The Black Eagle Pharmacy.
    In 1886, Karel Fragner (Benjamin’s son) took over the pharmacy and built what was then the most modern pharmacy in Prague.

  • 1488

    Black Eagle Pharmacy

    Establishment of the Black Eagle Pharmacy, a small business that served the people of Prague.

For more than 500 years, Zentiva has been a trusted partner in healthcare, and we have a responsibility to act today for a sustainable tomorrow—ensuring Zentiva continues for at least another 500 years.