Summary
AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) announced a significant milestone in its acquisition of Allergan plc, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accepted a proposed consent order on May 5, 2020. This FTC approval, along with all other previously required regulatory approvals, clears the path for the consummation of the acquisition. This is a critical development for AbbVie, removing a major hurdle and bringing the company closer to integrating Allergan's assets and operations. The completion of this acquisition is expected to significantly reshape AbbVie's product portfolio and market presence. In conjunction with the acquisition's progression, AbbVie also extended its exchange offers and consent solicitations for Allergan's outstanding notes. The expiration date has been moved to May 12, 2020, from May 8, 2020, with an expected settlement date of May 14, 2020. This extension provides more time for noteholders to participate in exchanging their Allergan notes for new AbbVie notes and consent to amendments aimed at eliminating covenants. The amendment to the transaction agreement, stipulating only one Allergan Director will join the AbbVie board, and Brent Saunders' decision not to join, also indicate adjustments to the post-acquisition governance structure.
Key Highlights
- 1FTC has accepted a proposed consent order, granting regulatory approval for AbbVie's acquisition of Allergan.
- 2All required regulatory approvals for the Allergan acquisition have now been obtained.
- 3AbbVie has extended its exchange offers and consent solicitations for Allergan notes until May 12, 2020.
- 4The settlement date for the exchange offers and consent solicitations is anticipated to be May 14, 2020.
- 5Only one Allergan Director will join the AbbVie board post-acquisition, and Brent Saunders will not be joining.
- 6Press releases detailing the FTC approval and the extension of exchange offers were issued on May 5, 2020.