Pfizer’s Allergan Acquisition Paves The Way For A Split – But Delayed

Pfizer Inc.’s announcement Nov. 23 that it had reached a deal with Allergan PLCto buy the company for $160bn, adding the Botox maker’s roster of drugs and substantially reducing its tax rate, was just the news many investors wanted to hear. However, an addendum revealed by CEO Ian Read – that the acquisition would delay by two years Pfizer’s decision on whether to break up the business – had the opposite effect.

Now many investors are left wondering how a mega-merger the size of this one will impact the long-term prospects for a split, the very thing many analysts and investors believe is the best way for Pfizer to deliver value to shareholders