Shire Plc has agreed to purchase NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc for $5.2 billion in its biggest acquisition yet, as the Dublin-based drugmaker strengthens its position in the lucrative field of medicines for rare diseases.The takeover continues the breakneck pace of deal-making in the pharmaceuticals sector, where companies are jockeying for promising assets as a wave of new drugs emerges from research laboratories.Shire will pay $46.00 per NPS share, representing a premium of nearly 10 percent to NPS' Friday close, the two companies said on Sunday.The move will not come as a huge surprise, since Shire had already been linked to NPS in the first half of 2014. When plans for Shire itself to sell out to AbbVie Inc fell apart in October, the Dublin firm said it could look again at earlier deal prospects.
AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie) is a global research-based pharmaceuticals company. Shares of ABBV fell by 2.74% or $-1.85/share to $65.78. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $45.50 and as high as $70.76. On average, 11445400 shares of ABBV exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 8779934.
NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NPS) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on pioneering and delivering therapies that transform the lives of patients with rare diseases worldwide. Shares of NPSP fell by 2.35% or $-1.01/share to $41.91. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $22.11 and as high as $42.95. On average, 1585980 shares of NPSP exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 1091052.
Shire plc (Shire) is a specialty biopharmaceutical company that focuses on meeting the needs of the specialist physician. Shares of SHPG traded higher by 1.59% or $3.4/share to $217.49. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $141.32 and as high as $264.98. On average, 1904920 shares of SHPG exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 1044116.
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