Arterium Corporation (Kyiv) has acquired Marifarm pharmaceutical company (Maribor, Slovenia) from Slovenian bank Nova KBM (NKBM), The Slovenia Times edition has reported.

The bank has not disclosed the amount of the transaction. According to unofficial information from Maribor's local edition Vecer, it is estimated at EUR6.8 million.

Arterium and Marifarm intend to jointly explore new possibilities of development of pharmaceutical markets, exchange and apply experience and "know-how," especially in the development and manufacture of pharmaceuticals.

Arterium Corporation was created in March 2005 on a parity basis by two pharmaceutical companies – Ukraine's largest manufacturer of antibiotics JSC Kyivmedpreparat and Galychpharm (Lviv), the leader in production of plant-based drugs.

One of the key owners of the corporation is Finance and Credit Group (Kyiv) controlled by businessman Kostiantyn Zhevaho.