Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. is reportedly in talks with Bristol-Myers Squibb about a deal that could be work $1.6 billion.
According to sources quoted in Bloomberg, Taisho is considering buying BMS’s French over-the-counter unit, UPSA, in a bid to boost the Japanese drugmaker’s overseas presence.
Neither company would comment on the matter. But the source told Bloomberg that a deal could be announced this week, and that BMS is looking to streamline its portfolio to focus on other growth areas.
Overall, mergers and acquisitions in healthcare have been up 27 percent in 2018 compared to last year, and have totaled nearly $429 billion so far.
Taisho, which focuses on over-the-counter products such as cold medication, bought BMS’ OTC business in Asia-Pacific (minus Japan and China) in 2009. UPSA sells a range of OTC pain and flu medications.
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