Financial News

JERUSALEM — Teva Pharmaceutical on Tuesday announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which Teva will acquire NuPathe for $3.65 per share in cash, or approximately $144 million. In addition to the upfront cash payment, NuPathe shareholders will receive rights to receive additional cash payments of up to $3.15 per share if specified net sales of NuPathe's migraine treatment, Zecuity, are achieved over time.

CINCINNATI — Kroger and Harris Teeter Supermarkets on Friday announced that the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the pending merger transaction between the two companies.

The early termination of the HSR waiting period satisfies one of the conditions to the closing of the pending merger, which remains subject to other customary closing conditions. Both companies expect the transaction to be completed before the end of January.

ZAANDAM, The Netherlands — Ahold on Thursday announced consolidated net sales of €7.5 billion (U.S. $10.2 billion) for fourth quarter 2013, a decrease of 1.1% at constant exchange rates compared to fourth quarter 2012. 

 For the full year 2013, consolidated net sales were $44.3 billion, an increase of 2% at constant exchange rates compared to 2012. 

In the United States sales in the fourth quarter were down 2.1%, reflecting a contracting food market and the sales effect of Hurricane Sandy last year, the international grocer stated. 

NEW YORK — Three drug makers are looking into buying Pfizer's branded-generics drug business, according to published reports.

Reuters reported that Actavis, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International and Mylan had expressed interest in buying Pfizer's business segment focused on generic drugs. However, Reuters reported that Pfizer was not yet ready to make a deal and was in the process of a potential separation of the generics unit.

 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — McKesson may take another bite of the Celesio apple, suggested Sterne Agee analyst Greg Bolan in a note published Monday.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is offering free credit monitoring for a year for customers who shop at its stores, the mass merchandise retailer said Monday.

Target said it had contracted with ProtectMyID, a division of Experian, which will offer daily credit monitoring, identity theft insurance and access to assistance from fraud resolution agents, as well as a complimentary credit report. Customers have until April 23 to request an activation code, and then until April 30 to register for credit monitoring through ProtectMyID.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck on Monday reported on its intent to explore strategic options for its animal health and consumer care businesses. The company expects to complete the process and take action, if any, in 2014. 

Exploring strategic options for its animal health and consumer care businesses to determine the most value-creating option for each and could reach different decisions about the two businesses, Merck stated. 

SAN FRANCISCO — McKesson on Monday announced that it was unsuccessful in reaching the 75% completion condition in its offer for the outstanding shares and convertible bonds of Celesio.