PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Mylan officials say more than 99 percent of shareholders have voted to approve the proposed merger of Mylan and Upjohn, a division of Pfizer.
Mylan Executive Chairman and Future Viatris Executive Chairman Robert J. Coury said: “The near unanimous support we have received from our shareholders with 99.6% of shares voted in favor of this transaction truly validates the extensive analysis and time invested by the board’s strategic review committee, and the full board, in identifying the right opportunity to unlock the true value of our one-of-a-kind platform as well as accelerate Mylan’s next exciting phase of growth. The overwhelming endorsement we received from shareholders only further bolsters our confidence in the value that we believe the new company will deliver, and we are very excited to soon create Viatris, expected in the fourth quarter of this year.”
Coury continued: “Viatris will be launched with a robust new business model, focused on total shareholder return. With an enhanced balance sheet and financial flexibility, we will be able to implement a more shareholder-friendly capital allocation policy starting with a dividend of at least 25 percent of our free cash flow following Viatris’ first full quarter after close. We also look forward to introducing Viatris’ new, unique GLOBAL HEALTHCARE GATEWAY™, which will offer partners ready access to more markets and patients worldwide through the company’s unmatched global infrastructure and expertise, making Viatris a true Partner of Choice™.”
Mylan will file the vote with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.