The U.S. biotechnology company will pay $116.50 for each Horizon share
Amgen Inc. has agreed to acquire Horizon Therapeutics PLC in an all-cash deal valued at $27.8 billion, marking the largest healthcare merger of the year.
Under the terms of the deal, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, Amgen will pay $116.50 for each Horizon share owned. The offer was equal to a premium of 19.7% over the stock’s closing price Friday at $97.29.
“The acquisition of Horizon is a compelling opportunity for Amgen and one that is consistent with our strategy of delivering long-term growth by providing innovative medicines that address the needs of patients who suffer from serious diseases,” Amgen Chief Executive Robert Bradway said.
Amgen will finance the deal via a bridge loan for $28.5 billion with Citibank N.A. acting as administrative agent, and Citibank, Bank of America N.A. as lead arrangers and bookrunners.
The deal is expected to generate robust cash flow, with the companies drumming up about $10 billion in combined cash flow over the 12 months through the third quarter of 2022. Amgen expects the regulatory approvals and other conditions under the Irish business code—it is based in Dublin—to be achieved by the first half of 2023.