Abbott named top dealmaker for 4th consecutive year

LIBERTYVILLE TOWNSHIP — The Deal magazine has named Abbott Laboratories as one of its Most Admired Corporate Dealmakers for the fourth consecutive year.

Abbott was recognized by The Deal for the most effective and consistent use of acquisitions and divestitures in the health care sector since January 2008.

Since 2008, Abbott has completed a number of strategic acquisitions that have enhanced the company’s diversity, developmental pipeline and geographic reach, particularly in fast-growing emerging markets.  In 2011, Abbott has licensed two investigational compounds to complement its existing pharmaceutical portfolio in immunology and oncology.

“Acquisitions and in-licensing are a key part of our strategy to complement internal research and development, expand our global presence to generate leadership in emerging markets and enhance the diversity of our businesses,” said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott.  “We’re pleased that The Deal has continued to recognize Abbott for its strategic M&A work.”

Key transactions since 2008:

Ÿ Purchased Piramal Healthcare Solutions, bringing immediate market leadership in India, one of the world’s fastest growing pharmaceutical markets.

Ÿ Acquired Solvay Pharmaceuticals, complementing and diversifying its pharmaceutical portfolio and expanding Abbott’s presence in key global emerging markets.

Ÿ Purchased Facet Biotech, adding innovative oncology and neuroscience compounds to existing research expertise.

Ÿ Gained access to the emerging field of nonsurgical heart valve repair through the acquisition of Evalve.

Ÿ Acquired exclusive rights to bardoxolone, a novel investigational compound to treat chronic kidney disease, in key international markets.

Ÿ Diversified its medical products portfolio with the addition of Advanced Medical Optics, a leader in the multibillion dollar eye care market.

The Deal’s readers rated Abbott best on the award criteria: overall strategy and choice of targets; value (price paid/received relative to value extracted); execution, including integration; and quality of the deal team.  Companies considered for the survey have a market capitalization of $5 billion or more as of Dec. 31, 2010 and closed the highest number and value of transactions over a three-year period ended Dec. 31, 2010.