Gilead's New CEO Is Going All-In on Acquisitions
Acquisitions can occur for different reasons. "Tuck-in" acquisitions are small deals that bolster an existing line of business. Deals to acquire a smaller business and leave it operating somewhat independently as its own business are often called "bolt-on" acquisitions. Some acquisitions are more transformational and are designed to jump straight into a leadership position in an industry where the acquiring company might lag.
Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) has made deals of all kinds since Daniel O'Day took over as CEO in March 2019. Although each deal is structured differently, the progression may say something about the executive's increasing impatience to transform the company into a formidable player in the lucrative field of cancer-fighting drugs. During the company's year-end conference call in February, O'Day admitted feeling a sense of urgency to make a big deal as sales of legacy HIV and hepatitis drugs stall. The CEO has taken action, making multiple large investments, despite a global pandemic that has upended the healthcare industry. Investors should be asking if he may have been a little too eager.
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Source Fool.com
