Midsize Japanese Pharmas Seen As Major Drivers Of Merger Mania

Midsize Japanese pharmaceuticals are seen as reaping most of the benefits of a global merger fever in the industry as foreign firms look to Japan for business opportunities. Japan does not expect to see a slowdown in the mergers-and-acquisition activity this year, following up on major merger activity of last year. An investment executive says midsize firms facing loss of patent protection for some of their drugs, plus government efforts to drive down the cost of drugs in Japan, will begin restructuring, including taking on M&As, to stay afloat and compete. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required