Why Schiff Nutrition Shares Skyrocketed


What: Shares of U.S. vitamin and supplement maker Schiff Nutrition International (NYS: SHF) soared 46% today, after German drug and chemical maker Bayer offered to acquire it for $1.2 billion.

So what: The deal values Schiff at $34 per share, and represents a whopping 47% premium to its closing price on Friday. Bayer is making the move to bolster growth at its consumer health segment, and help offset some of the risks associated with its volatile prescription drugs business, giving shareholders some comforting product, as well as geographicdiversification.

Now what: According to Bayer, the deal is expected to close by the end of the year. According to Bayer CEO Dr. Marijn Dekker:


Of course, with Schiff shares likely all popped out and having few publically traded alternatives, health products retailer GNC Holdings (NYS: GNC) might be a decent way to play the growing vitamin and supplement space going forward.

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The article Why Schiff Nutrition Shares Skyrocketed originally appeared on Fool.com.

