Financial News

CHICAGO — Bausch & Lomb is actively exploring a sale that could command upward of $10 billion, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal published Tuesday. 

According to the report, Bausch & Lomb has been entertaining informal inquiries since the announcement that the company may soon issue an initial public offering. If no buyer materializes, the eye care company still plans to pursue an IPO, the report noted.

EXTON, Pa. — Biotech and vaccines company Nuron Biotech has bought rights from Pfizer for a vaccine to prevent infection by a bacteria that is a major cause of infectious disease around the world.

When it comes to makeup, Hispanic women represent a significant opportunity, and targeting this demographic could help bolster penetration rates of such products as BB creams, according to market research firm Mintel.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Amgen is buying an Iceland-based biotech company for $415 million, the two said Monday.

Amgen announced it would acquire DeCode Genetics, based in Reykjavik, Iceland, in a deal that Amgen's board of directors unanimously approved. Founded in 1996, DeCode focuses its business on finding links between the human genome and disease susceptibility. The acquisition is expected to close before the end of 2012 and does not require regulatory approval.

NEW YORK — Fragrance gift sets are no doubt a popular choice during the holiday season, and manufacturers hope that this year is no exception.

Over the course of the entire year, 40% of individual fragrance sales take place during the holidays, while 80% of fragrance gift set sales occur during the holiday season, according to stats from the SymphonyIRI Group database cited by Coty.

When buying personal care products, those items that have a higher price tag are likely to be perceived by Asian or Pacific Islanders as being more effective compared with less expensive items, according to market research firm Mintel.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Friday announced they have completed a transaction giving Walgreens a significant ownership stake in Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Pharmacy, the parent company of Cystic Fibrosis Services.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

SOLNA, Sweden — Meda announced Friday that it has signed an agreement to acquire MidNite, an OTC sleep-aid product. MidNite is well established in the U.S. and holds a market leading position within a growing category. Transaction terms were not disclosed.

“This acquisition enhances our presence in the U.S. ahead of other future OTC launches," stated Anders Lönner, CEO of Meda. 

Annualized revenues for MidNite are approximately $15 million, the company reported.