Takeda will keep OTC biz even after closing costly Shire deal

Jan. 8, 2019

Takeda Pharmaceutical will likely hold onto its over-the-counter drug business even with pressure to improve its finances after closing its $59 billion takeover of Shire. Takeda will become one of the pharma world's most indebted after the deal and so will be aiming to sell up to $10 billion in assets.

"It’s not our first priority," said chief executive Christophe Weber when asked whether Takeda would sell its OTC business.

The global company has also secured $29.7 billion in bank loans.

Read the Reuters report