Shire Plc close to finalising a deal to acquire Baxalta

For several months Shire has been trying to acquire Baxalta and the two companies are now in advanced discussions as to the price to be fixed per share.The original offer of $30 billion is apparently being raised by Shire and now includes a cash component. If the deal goes through Baxalta would benefit from a lower tax rate as Shire has a Dublin legal address and is subject to Irish tax rates that are lower than the US. Shire has previously acquired Dyax Inc.and NPS Pharmaceuticals. A public announcement is expected soon.