History
Zentiva’s roots reach back more than 530 years to a small pharmacy that still exists today in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic.
For more than 530 years, Zentiva has been a trusted partner in healthcare. We have a responsibility to act today for a sustainable tomorrow, ensuring Zentiva continues for at least another 500 years.
Back in 2008, Zentiva was acquired by Sanofi, and later in 2018, it was carved out by Advent International. From 2020 onwards, we have expanded our business into new European territories and complemented our portfolio in key therapeutic areas. Our exciting growth journey has only just begun. Within four years, we doubled the size of the company, expanding our footprint across Europe and strengthening our presence in key therapeutic areas and standard treatments.
By offering high-quality products and services at 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.
Zentiva and Lupin Sign License and Supply Agreement for TNF alpha inhibitor biosimilar medicine.
2023
Strategic partnership
Adalvo and Zentiva sign licensing agreement Respiratory, CNS, and Dermatology therapeutic areas in Europe.
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.
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 in the UK and Solacium Pharma in Romania.
Acquisition of Alvogen’s Central and Eastern European business.
Strategic growth
Acquisition of manufacturing and R&D site in Ankleshwar, India.
2018
Carving Out
Acquisition of Zentiva by the Advent International equity fund.
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.
Date of Preparation: March 2026 | Ref: 000833570