Comments on: ImClone Rejects Bristol But Has A Mysterious Suitor

By: Senthil, Sr.Consultant

Senthil, Sr.Consultant — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:23:39 +0000

While analyzing the situation, we need to look at the background of the investors… Icahn’s style is to invest in companies and then pressuring management into selling their companies at higher share prices. The letters from him and the reply are all part of the game. Sanofi may be a case (as its also owns Erbitux patent) intrested in Imclone, but more chances for “no other serious offer”.

By: Annette Kreuger VP Pharma-Biotech Group Industrialinfo.com

Annette Kreuger VP Pharma-Biotech Group Industrialinfo.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:59:10 +0000

My guess is there is no other serious offer, they just want to up the ante to where they think it should be. To say that bluffing is common in this industry is an understatement. A perfect example is when a company is “shopping” out a large capital project. Often a code name is employed and all parties are sworn to secrecy. In the majority of cases the company has already chosen its preferred site, but wants more in the way of incentives. So, other locations are brought in to the race and the “bidding” begins. Again, the company usually knows where they want to build the facility but its amazing how a little competition heats up the process. Take a look at what Merck received from North Carolina for building a new vaccine plant. A lot of econ dev people were heart broken when the state laid out $36 million. Of course the gamble paid off since the initial capital investment of $300 million has exploded to $700 million. That’s a win win.

By: Don

Don — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:14:06 +0000

I am hearing from a very good source that Novartis is in discussions

By: CRH

CRH — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:43:13 +0000

I think it might be Sanofi and this is what broke Le Fur’s back with the company. It was widely known inside and outside the company that Dehecq wanted to buy Bristol and Le Fur didn’t. Now Dehecq can make another deal without Le Fur’s blessing by downgrading him and brining in someone else on board with this decision.

By: Dan A.

Dan A. — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:02:34 +0000

My guess is Merck