BRIEF—Taisho reportedly close to buying Bristol-Myers unit

Japan’s Taisho Pharmaceutical is reportedly close to agreeing terms with Bristol-Myers Squibb to acquire the company’s French consumer healthcare unit for around $1.6 billion.

According to sources, Bloomberg says, an agreement could be announced this week.

Bristol-Myers has said it is considering strategic options for its over-the-counter business which includes brands such as Dafalgan (acetaminophen) and Efferalgan (acetaminophen).