BRIEF—CEO says Takeda could borrow to buy Shire

In a meeting closed to media and unconfirmed by the Japanese drugmaker, Takeda CEO Christopher Weber told analysts “size was no obstacle for any ‘mindful’ acquisition,” Reuters reports.

The briefing boosted Takeda stocks, after some investors had questioned whether the US-based rare disease specialist might be an overly ambitious target. Shire and Takeda are roughly equal in size in terms of revenues, with both taking in around $15 billion annually.

Weber reportedly denied suggestions Takeda could bid for a partial acquisition, said he would maintain the dividend and that extra debt could be raised to fund the deal.