Rumors are swirling in the Israeli press, that the world’s largest generic drug maker is about to become much larger. Reports are that the Israeli based Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA) is in talks to buy US Generic maker Barr Pharmaceuticals (BRL) for as much as $7.5 billion, a 40% premium to their closing price yesterday. While Barr comes with a fat price tag, the deal would make sense for Teva, as Barr is very active in Central and Eastern Europe, geographies that Teva has been targeting at for future growth.

Teva has around $3 billion in the bank so it appears they are going  to have to go out and issue debt to fund the deal. The debt plus the big premium, may pressure the stock price in the short term, but over the long haul, this may prove to be another in a long line of very wise acquisitions.

The deal also brings some pride to the Israeli business community is this would be the biggest M&A in Israeli history. The fact that an Israeli company has the potential to do such a large acquisition is a testament to the ingenuity and steadfastness of the local economy.

Aaron Katsman, IsraelNewsletter.com

Disclosure: Author’s fund has a position in TEVA as of 7/17/08.

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Aaron Katsman is Managing Editor of the Israel Opportunity Investor newsletter. He is lead portfolio manager for the Israel Growth Portfolio and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. For more information, go to www.israelnewsletter.com or call 1-888-327-6179, or email aaron@profile-financial.com.

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