McKesson Launches $8.3 Billion Bid For Germany’s Celesio

Circle Connections: Mergers & Acquisitions San Francisco-based pharmaceutical distributor McKesson has launched an $8.3 billion takeover offer for German competitor Celesio. McKesson signed an agreement Thursday with German company Haniel to acquire its 50.01 percent stake in Celesio and is making an offer to other shareholders at 23 euros a share. The offer represents a 5.8 percent premium to Celesio's closing share price on Wednesday. McKesson is also assuming Celesio's outstanding debt, lifting the value of the deal up to $8.3 billion. Celesio's management has welcomed the offer. McKesson supplies medicines to . . .