Takeda and Shire shake hands on £46 billion deal

Takeda  Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4502) and Shire (LSE: SHP) have reached agreement on the Japanese pharma major’s takeover of the Ireland-headquartered rare disease drugmaker.

The deal, which values Shire at £46 billion ($62 billion), will see Takeda shareholders own around 50% of the combined group upon completion, and brings nearer the likely Takeda pursuit of Shire, which has lasted for several weeks, but still requires shareholder's approval.

"We firmly believe that this combination recognizes the strong growth potential of our leading products and innovative pipeline and is in the best interests of our shareholders, our patients and the communities we serve"