One closely watched big deal announced this year will be the $62.4 billion pursuit of Allergan Inc in the US by Valeant Pharmaceuticals of Canada. It combines all the elements. Valeant politely listed at number three on its reasons for acquiring the US company – after scale benefits with customers and cost synergies – the low-single digit corporate tax rate to which the combined company would be subject. It’s an inversion trade and, even more controversially, one being pursued in co-operation with Pershing Square, the specialist activist fund of William Ackman which had acquired a 5% stake in Allergan in the run up to announcement of Valeant’s first bid in late April.
| Further reading |
 |
| • Out of the frying pan… into the freezer? • Bonds set to take centre stage in M&A financing |
As Euromoney went to press, both sides were still in the hissy stage.
Access intelligence that drives action
To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access
