Record Levels of Available Cash and Moderate R&D Development Will See Big Pharma M&A Activity Increase in 2013

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 01/18/13 -- Lost revenues from expiring patents has played a major part in the Biotech Industry's success in recent years. A total of 676 takeovers of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have occurred in the past three years, with an average premium of 38 percent, according to data collected by Bloomberg. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotech Industry and provides equity research on Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARIA) and PDL BioPharma Inc. (NASDAQ: PDLI).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:
www.FiveStarEquities.com/ARIA
www.FiveStarEquities.com/PDLI

At the end of the third quarter five of the biggest drug makers in the U.S. held over $70 billion in cash, near cash and short-term investments. Major revenue losses from patent expirations have forced big pharmaceutical companies to look to biotech companies to help fill the void. Pfizer's Lipitor and Bristol-Myers' Plavix, which lost exclusivity in late 2011, had combined annual revenues of $17 billion at their peaks.

"We're through many cost-cutting programs, restructurings and portfolio arrangements," said Henry Gosebruch, Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions J.P. Morgan. "When you put that together with record levels of cash available and improving, but still moderate R&D productivity, we think there will be more big pharma M&A activity in 2013."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Biotech Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.FiveStarEquities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global oncology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines to transform the lives of cancer patients. ARIAD's first medicine, Iclusig, is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with chronic, accelerated or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia.

PDL BioPharma is a biotech company with a patented process to create humanized antibodies. PDL engages in the management of antibody humanization patents and royalty assets, which consist of its Queen et al. patents and license agreements with various biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at:
www.FiveStarEquities.com/disclaimer

Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine