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  • Car Connections: Mercedes-AMG, Bugatti, and Bentley

    Car Connections: Mercedes-AMG, Bugatti, and Bentley

    Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 57 One of One and Type 57SC Atlantic (Photo courtesy of Bugatti)

    We’ve made it to the weekend! It’s time for another installment of Car Connections, a game in which I take three words from…

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  • Viatris Announces Agreement to Monetize its Equity Stake in Biocon Biologics Limited

    Viatris Announces Agreement to Monetize its Equity Stake in Biocon Biologics Limited

    Viatris to Receive $400 Million in Cash and $415 Million in Equity Shares of Biocon Limited

    Transaction Accelerates the Expiration of Biosimilars Non-Compete Restrictions

    PITTSBURGH, Dec. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS) today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements with Biocon Limited (“Biocon”) for the sale of Viatris’ equity stake in Biocon Biologics Limited (“Biocon Biologics”). Under the definitive agreements, Biocon will acquire all of Viatris’ convertible preferred equity in Biocon Biologics for total consideration of $815 million, consisting of $400 million in cash and $415 million in newly issued equity shares of Biocon.

    “This agreement is another important step in Viatris’ evolution,” said Scott A. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Viatris. “Monetizing the value of our equity stake in Biocon Biologics and regaining access to the biosimilars market globally provides significant additional optionality as we continue to build a portfolio of generics, established brands and innovative brands that can contribute to our future growth.”

    Key Terms of Transaction
    Under the terms of the agreements, Viatris will sell its equity stake in Biocon Biologics to Biocon for $400 million in cash and $415 million in equity shares of Biocon Limited, which will be listed and traded on the National Stock Exchange of India. The shares are subject to a six-month lock up period. Transaction value will be subject to related taxes. In addition, the terms of the definitive agreements accelerate the expiration of biosimilars non-compete restrictions previously placed on Viatris in 2022 in connection with Viatris’ sale of its biosimilars portfolio and related commercial and other capabilities to Biocon Biologics. These restrictions will expire immediately at the time of close for all ex-U.S. markets and in November 2026 for U.S. markets. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions.

    Citi is acting as financial advisor to Viatris. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Indian law firm Khaitan & Co. are acting as legal advisors to Viatris.

    About Viatris
    Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS) is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life’s moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases. With our exceptionally extensive and diverse portfolio of medicines, a one-of-a-kind global supply chain designed to reach more people when and where they need them, and the scientific expertise to address some of the world’s most enduring health challenges, access takes on deep meaning at Viatris. We are headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and X.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may include statements that Viatris has entered into definitive agreements with Biocon for the sale of Viatris’ equity stake in Biocon Biologics; under the definitive agreements, Biocon will acquire all of Viatris’ convertible preferred equity in Biocon Biologics for total consideration of $815 million, consisting of $400 million in cash and $415 million in newly issued equity shares of Biocon; this agreement is another important step in Viatris’ evolution; monetizing the value of our equity stake in Biocon Biologics and regaining access to the biosimilars market globally provides significant additional optionality as we continue to build a portfolio of generics, established brands and innovative brands that can contribute to our future growth; under the terms of the agreements, Viatris will sell its equity stake in Biocon Biologics to Biocon for $400 million in cash and $415 million in equity shares of Biocon Limited, which will be listed and traded on the National Stock Exchange of India; the shares are subject to a six-month lock up period; transaction value will be subject to related taxes; the terms of the definitive agreements accelerate the expiration of biosimilars non-compete restrictions previously placed on Viatris in 2022 in connection with Viatris’ sale of its biosimilars portfolio and related commercial and other capabilities to Biocon Biologics; these restrictions will expire immediately at the time of close for all ex-U.S. markets and in November 2026 for U.S. markets; the transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions. Because forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties, actual future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: actions and decisions of healthcare and pharmaceutical regulators; our ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations; changes in healthcare and pharmaceutical laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad; any regulatory, legal or other impediments to Viatris’ ability to bring new products to market; products in development and/or that receive regulatory approval may not achieve expected levels of market acceptance, efficacy or safety; longer review, response and approval times as a result of evolving regulatory priorities and reductions in personnel at health agencies; Viatris’ or its partners’ ability to develop, manufacture, and commercialize products; the scope, timing and outcome of any ongoing legal proceedings, and the impact of any such proceedings on Viatris; Viatris’ failure to achieve expected or targeted future financial and operating performance and results; goodwill or impairment charges or other losses; any changes in or difficulties with the Company’s manufacturing facilities; risks associated with international operations; changes in third-party relationships; the effect of any changes in Viatris’ or its partners’ customer and supplier relationships and customer purchasing patterns; the impacts of competition; changes in the economic and financial conditions of Viatris or its partners; uncertainties regarding future demand, pricing and reimbursement for the Company’s products; uncertainties and matters beyond the control of management, including but not limited to general political and economic conditions, potential adverse impacts from future tariffs and trade restrictions, inflation rates and global exchange rates; and the other risks described in Viatris’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Viatris routinely uses its website as a means of disclosing material information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner for purposes of the SEC’s Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD). Viatris undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this press release other than as required by law.

    SOURCE Viatris Inc.


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  • AI-Powered Browsers Are Failing Badly

    AI-Powered Browsers Are Failing Badly

    Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins / Futurism. Source: Getty Images

    Do AI browsers represent the future of perusing the world wide web? The AI industry certainly wants you to believe that they do, just as it…

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  • The #1 Mistake You’re Making When You Take Vitamin D

    The #1 Mistake You’re Making When You Take Vitamin D

    • The biggest mistake you’re making is choosing the wrong form of vitamin D supplement. 
    • Vitamin D3 is from animals, and it is the type you make from the sun, which is absorbed better.
    • Choose an independently-tested supplement or add fatty fish…

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  • ‘Everyone will miss the socialising – but it’s also a relief’: five young teens on Australia’s social media ban | Social media ban

    ‘Everyone will miss the socialising – but it’s also a relief’: five young teens on Australia’s social media ban | Social media ban

    Australia’s world-first social media ban for under-16s will begin in just a few days. Malaysia, Denmark and Norway are to follow suit and the European Union last week passed a resolution to adopt similar restrictions. As the world watches on,…

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  • Earth’s early oceans hid the secret rise of complex life

    Earth’s early oceans hid the secret rise of complex life

    New findings suggest that complex life began forming much earlier, and over a far longer period, than researchers previously understood. The study provides fresh insight into the environmental conditions that supported early evolution and…

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  • Women – Liverpool Women – Match Report

    Women – Liverpool Women – Match Report

    A Goal of the Season contender from Olivia Smith and a late Stina Blackstenius winner saw us earn a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Saturday.

    FIRST HALF

    Frida Maanum had an early sight of goal and her shot took…

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  • Champions Cup LIVE: Live text, commentaries and score updates from Saracens vs ASM Clermont Auvergne and other games

    Champions Cup LIVE: Live text, commentaries and score updates from Saracens vs ASM Clermont Auvergne and other games

    ‘Good first step in Europe’published at 14:57 GMT

    FT: Saracens 47-10 Clermont

    Man-of-the-match Hugh Tizard, speaking to Premier Sports:

    “We had a really good week building up to it against a physical Clermont side.

    “We always say we…

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  • Kjeld Nuis calls Jordan Stolz “from another planet” after losing 1500m track record

    Kjeld Nuis calls Jordan Stolz “from another planet” after losing 1500m track record

    When the new men’s 1500m speed skating track record flashed on the board in Thialf, reigning Olympic champion Kjeld Nuis knew the torch had been passed.

    The Dutch great, usually on top of the podium on home ice in Thialf, offered a knowing nod…

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  • Elliott’s activism could drive upside as Barrick Mining hunts for new CEO

    Elliott’s activism could drive upside as Barrick Mining hunts for new CEO

    Attendees speak with representatives at the Barrick booth, at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual mining conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada March 3, 2025.

    Carlos Osorio | Reuters

    Company: Barrick Mining (B)

    Business: Barrick Mining, formerly Barrick Gold Corporation, is a gold and copper producer, which is engaged in the production and sale of gold and copper, as well as related activities, such as exploration and mine development. It has ownership interests in producing gold mines in Argentina, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania and the United States. Its copper mines are in Zambia, Chile and Saudi Arabia. Its operations include Nevada Gold Mines, Bulyanhulu, Hemlo, Jabal Sayid, Kibali, Loulo-Gounkoto, Lumwana, North Mara, Porgera, Pueblo Viejo, Tongon, Veladero and Zaldivar. Its Bulyanhulu operation is located in northwest Tanzania, over 55 kilometers south of Lake Victoria and 150 km southwest of the city of Mwanza. The Jabal Sayid copper operation is located 350 km northeast of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Lumwana copper mine is a conventional open pit operation.

    Stock Market Value: $69.16 billion ($40.38 per share)

    Stock Chart IconStock chart icon

    Barrick Mining shares year to date

    Activist: Elliott Investment Management

    Ownership: n/a

    Average Cost: n/a

    Activist Commentary: Elliott is a multistrategy investment firm that manages about $76.1 billion in assets (as of June 30, 2025) and is one of the oldest firms of its type under continuous management. Known for its extensive due diligence and resources, Elliott regularly follows companies for years before making an investment. Elliott is the most active of activist investors, engaging with companies across industries and multiple geographies.

    What’s happening

    On Nov. 18, Elliott announced a position in Barrick Mining and expressed its interest in seeing a potential separation of North American assets from its mines in riskier regions across Asia and Africa. Most recently, on Dec. 1, Barrick announced that the board has authorized the company to explore a potential separation of the North American assets.

    Behind the scenes

    Barrick Mining is a Toronto-based global mining company focused predominantly on gold, operating 14 gold mines, as well as three additional cooper mines. The core of this business is its North America Gold assets, which consists of some of the highest quality deposits in the world, specifically Nevada Gold Mines, a joint venture with Newmont in which Barrick owns 61.5% and serves as its operator. The company also operates gold mines in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Its copper portfolio is centered around Africa and the Middle East, including Reko Diq, a new copper development project in Pakistan.

    With the recent bull market for gold, Barrick’s stock has more than doubled over the past six months. Despite this, Barrick continues to trade at 0.9 times its price to net asset value ratio, a significant discount to North American peers, who trade well above 1x, with best-in-class peers like Agnico Eagle trading at approximately 1.5x.

    Investors buy gold companies primarily for gold price exposure, and from there prefer the companies with the best management teams that operate the companies most efficiently to best isolate the value of the commodity. Barrick has not been a top operator amongst its peers and, as a result, they abruptly parted ways with their CEO in September and replaced him with Mark Hill, the former COO, as interim CEO.

    An interim CEO creates two very valuable opportunities for an activist in a company like Barrick. First and most importantly, they get to have a voice in who the new CEO will be regardless of whether they settle with the company for a board seat or just remain an outspoken shareholder. While they may not always be in the room when the discussions are had or the decision is made, we know of no CEO who would take a job at a company with an activist like Elliott engaging unless they knew that Elliott approved of the hiring.

    Second, when a company has an interim CEO, it is an advantageous time to explore strategic alternatives, and a breakup of this company has always been the elephant in the room.

    Barrick’s North American operations have been sullied by the company’s exposure to higher-risk regions and separating the two would go a long way to close the valuation gap between Barrick and Agnico Eagle.

    The value proposition for a breakup is clear and even something management has discussed. In a presentation released in May, management demonstrated that applying a peer-like multiple to Barrick’s North American assets could unlock as much as 49% of unrealized value. Since then, the price of gold has appreciated by over 70% but the company’s stock has appreciated by more than 100%, so much of that gain has been realized but there is still some value to be realized from a breakup.

    Elliott has a history of taking board seats at companies not for activist’s sake, but only when they feel that the director they are putting on the board could genuinely add value for shareholders. In this case, the breakup of the company is something that is being seriously considered by the board, and Elliott, just by its existence, is likely to have at least negative approval power over the new CEO.

    Moreover, Elliott does not act impetuously in its activism. They have likely had a position in Barrick for many months at this point and have already received a great return from the company’s 100% appreciation in the past six months. We would not expect them to escalate their activism here unless either the board goes down a path they didn’t expect and don’t agree with, or it is at the company’s invitation to join the board to assist with the tasks ahead.

    Ken Squire is the founder and president of 13D Monitor, an institutional research service on shareholder activism, and the founder and portfolio manager of the 13D Activist Fund, a mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of activist investments.

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