Pfizer/Sanofi speculation
Executive Summary
Rumors are cropping up regarding potential acquisition of Sanofi-Aventis, or at least a stake in the company, by Pfizer - which has a hefty amount of cash on hand and a pipeline to fill. Sanofi has been the subject of various acquisition rumors, including reports that the company was considering acquiring Plavix (clopidogrel) and Avapro (irbesartan) marketing partner Bristol-Myers Squibb (1"The Pink Sheet" Aug. 14, 2006, p. 3). Merging might not be in the best interest of either company, as both firms' biggest products lose exclusivity in the same timeframe: Pfizer's Lipitor (atorvastatin) in 2010 and Plavix in 2011. Pfizer's recently announced R&D strategy includes working to secure external opportunities in targeted areas through acquisitions, licensing and development, joint venture and alliances and other collaborative agreements (2"The Pink Sheet" Oct. 8, 2007, p. 3)...