JAPANESE, IRISH PHARMA FIRMS AGREE ON $62B DEAL

Takeda Pharmaceutical has agreed to buy Shire PLC for $62 billion, successfully ending a takeover battle for the Ireland-based drugmaker. The deal, if approved, would give Takeda greater access to U.S. and European health care markets. The joint company would focus on treatments for gastroenterology, neuroscience, oncology and some plasma-derived therapies.