Another characteristic that can lead to a mega-deal is the $22 billion in foreign cash that Pfizer can repatriate (thanks to the new tax law) at a new reduced tax rate of 15.5%.
Big pharma and biotech companies together have almost $150 billion in cash that could be brought home and redeployed in M&A. Amgen leads the pack with $39 billion in cash stashed overseas, followed by Gilead with $32 billion, Pfizer with $22 billion and Merck with $20 billion. Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie and Eli Lilly each have more than $10 billion abroad, according to the report.
Novartis is creeping to the finish line, but Pfizer is at its tail! IMO. Dr B has great friends and resources at both. The good thing about Dr B is his very balanced attitude and genuine nature......those characteristics can lead to mega deals imo.