Market Chatter: Suntory Eyes Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare in 200 Billion Yen Deal
Suntory Beverage & Food (TYO:2587) is set to acquire Daiichi Sankyo's (TYO:4568) over-the-counter drug unit for about 200 billion yen as the beverage maker expands its health-related business, Nikkei reported WednesdayThe deal would see Daiichi Sankyo divest its healthcare arm, which produces products such as painkiller Loxonin, stomach medicine Gaster 10 and cold remedy Lulu, according to the report.Suntory is seeking to diversify beyond alcoholic beverages as consumption trends shift, while Daiichi Sankyo is expected to focus resources on prescription drugs amid rising research and development costs, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)