Takeda Signs Largest Merger in Global Pharmaceutical Sector in 18 Years

Takeda has agreed to acquire UK-based pharmaceutical company Shire in a deal valued at USD 62.42 billion, raising its cash offer to USD 30.33 per share. The company is proceeding with its vision of providing innovative medicines to patients with rare diseases, neuroscience, gastroenterology, and oncology wherever they are located. The merger is expected to be completed in the first half of 2019. This significant transaction will position Takeda as one of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies and strengthen its growth trajectory. With the addition of Shire's global rare disease portfolio, Takeda will reinforce its innovative medicine portfolio that provides solutions in this field and ensures a healthier, brighter future for patients.

With the integration of Shire's rare disease global portfolio, Takeda will strengthen its innovative medicine portfolio that provides solutions in this area and delivers a healthier, brighter future for patients.

While the integrated company's headquarters will remain in Japan, the company will expand its research and development facilities in Boston and maintain regionally significant positions in Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States. Founded 237 years ago, Takeda today operates in 70 countries worldwide. Since 2009, it has also been offering innovative treatment options to patients in our country in the fields of essential medicines, oncology, hematology, and gastroenterology. Takeda President and Chief Executive Officer Christophe Weber stated: "Since its establishment, Takeda has evolved into a global pharmaceutical company prepared to deliver innovative and transformative treatments to patients worldwide with agility and a research-focused approach. Shire's complementary product portfolio, along with its experienced workforce, will accelerate the transformation Takeda needs to become stronger. Together, we will be pioneers in providing targeted treatments in gastroenterology, neuroscience, oncology, rare diseases, and plasma-derived therapies. We look forward to seeing the benefits this merger will bring to patients worldwide, the opportunities it will provide to our employees, and the returns it will generate for our shareholders," he said. Shire President Susan Kilsby commented: "For the past 30 years, Shire has been a global player in the treatment of rare diseases and has delivered innovative products that have changed patients' lives. This merger will help Shire become an even stronger biopharmaceutical company with a solid research and development pipeline and extensive global reach. We take pride in Shire's achievements and are grateful to all Shire employees for their contributions. We believe this merger will demonstrate the realization of strong growth potential for our leading products and innovative pipeline while being highly beneficial for our shareholders, patients, and the communities we serve," she stated.