Advertisement Astellas, OSI Sign Merger Agreement To Create Oncology Platform - Pharmaceutical Business review
Pharmaceutical Business review is using cookies

ContinueLearn More
Close

Astellas, OSI Sign Merger Agreement To Create Oncology Platform

Astellas Pharma and OSI Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company primarily focused on the discovery, development and commercialisation of molecular targeted therapies addressing medical needs in oncology, diabetes and obesity, have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Astellas is expected to acquire OSI for $4bn on a fully diluted basis.

Astellas Pharma and OSI Pharmaceuticals claimed that the combined company creates an oncology platform supporting Astellas Pharmas’ stated growth strategy. OSI commercialises Tarceva (erlotinib), a cancer medication.

As per the terms of the merger agreement, Astellas Pharma is expected to increase its offer price to $57.50 per share, which represents a premium of 55% to the closing price for OSI’s shares of $37.02 on February 26, 2010, the last trading day before the announcement by Astellas of its tender offer.

Masafumi Nogimori, president and CEO of Astellas Pharma, said: “The merger with OSI provides Astellas with an oncology platform in the US and an expanded product portfolio and pipelines. In addition to Tarceva, we are pleased to add its oncology infrastructure, discovery platform, expanded pipelines and talent base to our existing businesses.”

Colin Goddard, CEO of OSI Pharmaceuticals, said: “We believe this acquisition recognises the value we have built for our stockholders while providing the merged companies the opportunity to forge a stronger collective path forward in a shared mission to provide new medicines to patients around the world.”