Drug firm Teva bids $40bn for Mylan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32401006

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Generic drug company Teva has announced a bid to buy Dutch rival Mylan in a deal that could be worth $40.1bn (£26.9bn) in cash and stock.

Teva has offered $82 for each Mylan share, saying a deal could "transform" the generic drugs industry.

On Friday, responding to rumours of an offer, Mylan said a takeover by Teva "is without sound industrial logic or cultural fit".

Earlier this month, Mylan had made a $30bn offer to buy drug firm Perrigo.

However, Teva said its offer was a more "attractive alternative" for Mylan's shareholders.

"Our proposal is compelling for both Teva and Mylan stockholders and other stakeholders," said the chief executive of Teva, Erez Vigodman.

"Mylan's business is a natural fit with our own and is highly complementary to it".

Mylan employs about 30,000 people and makes about 1,400 generic pharmaceutical treatments. It reported revenues of $7.72bn in 2014.

Teva has around 45,000 employees worldwide and reported revenues of $20.3bn in 2014, with more than half of its revenue generated in the United States.