Having posted a strong set of second-quarter results earlier this month, Shire Pharmaceuticals continues to develop a balance sheet that would impress any potential acquirer, according to analysts at Matrix Group. In a research note, the analysts say the firm “remains a highly attractive M&A target”, as Shire “is now a diversified specialty pharmaceutical company with three strong growth engines”. These are its attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder franchise, Shire HGT (the business unit focused on genetic diseases) and now regenerative medicine, following the acquisition of the USA’s Advanced BioHealing for $750 million in cash.
