Takeda interested in Shire

29-Mar-2018 - Japan

Takeda confirms that it is considering making an approach to Shire regarding a possible offer for the company. Takeda’s consideration of such an offer is at a preliminary and exploratory stage and no approach has been made to the Board of Shire. There can be no certainty that an approach, if made, will lead to any transaction.

Takeda continuously considers various options aiming to accelerate its growth, focusing on prioritized therapeutic areas of gastroenterology, oncology and neuroscience plus vaccines.

Takeda believes that a potential transaction with Shire presents an opportunity to advance Takeda’s stated Vision 2025, build on its current strong momentum, and create a truly global, value-based Japanese biopharmaceutical leader. In particular, a transaction with Shire would:

strengthen Takeda’s core therapeutic areas of oncology, GI and neuroscience
accelerate Takeda’s vision to be a leader in specialized medicines that are transformative to patients through the addition of Shire’s leading global rare disease franchise
further enhance Takeda’s robust R&D strategy, concentrating on key therapeutic areas
reinforce a strong and large-molecule focused late-stage pipeline within Takeda’s core therapeutic areas to complement Takeda’s own pipeline and discovery capabilities
balance Takeda’s geographic focus to align with the market opportunity in the U.S.
drive financial value from a strong combined financial profile

Clearly defined strategic and financial objectives are core to Takeda’s disciplined approach to acquisitions, including in relation to its dividend policy and credit rating, which are well-established. Any potential offer for Shire, if made, would have to align with this strict investment criteria.

This transaction would be subject to the Code. A further announcement will be made as appropriate.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/1154261/takeda-interested-in-shire.html