Pfizer Inc. Spinoffs May Be Prelude to a Bigger Breakup, Decision Disappoint Analysts

Pfizer Inc. (PFE)’s plans to shed two businesses boosts the potential payoff for three experimental drugs moving toward regulatory review later this year. Pfizer, the world’s biggest drugmaker, yesterday said it plans to sell or spin off its animal health and baby food divisions. The units may command a price of $22 billion, said Seamus Fernandez, an analyst at Leerink Swann & Co. in Boston. Pfizer Chief Executive Officer Ian Read has said he plans to use the proceeds to buy back shares and develop new drugs.

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