Highlights
- Mayne Pharma awaits clarity from Cosette on proposed deal
- FDA concerns addressed, says Mayne
- Share price trades well below offer value
Mayne Pharma (ASX:MYX) finds itself in a critical phase as it awaits a formal response from US-based Cosette Pharmaceuticals regarding a proposed AU$672 million takeover. Despite the lapse of a mandatory consultation period tied to concerns over a "material adverse change," Cosette has yet to issue a termination notice, leaving the deal’s fate uncertain.
In its latest statement to the ASX, Mayne Pharma confirmed that it has not received any formal withdrawal documentation from Cosette. However, under the terms of their existing scheme implementation deed, Cosette retains the right to walk away from the agreement ahead of a scheduled second court hearing.
The pharmaceutical firm reassured stakeholders that it has adequately addressed the concerns flagged by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which were believed to be part of the issues influencing Cosette’s hesitation. Among these concerns was a previously disclosed FDA letter citing the misrepresentation of risks associated with Mayne’s birth control pill, Nextstellis, in a marketing presentation. The company has reiterated that these concerns were not materially significant and has since received a follow-up letter from the FDA indicating the issues have been resolved.
Mayne Pharma’s stock last closed at $4.73, substantially lower than Cosette’s proposed offer of $7.40 per share, adding to investor anticipation over whether the bid will proceed. The company noted it will take “reasonable steps” to uphold its contractual rights and has reminded Cosette to advance its application with the Foreign Investment Review Board.
This unfolding situation is of particular interest to investors who track movements within the S&P/ASX200, where Mayne Pharma’s position and market sentiment could influence broader healthcare sector trends.
For those interested in resilient sectors during such uncertain market events, dividend-paying companies often provide a cushion. A number of ASX dividend stocks continue to attract attention for their steady income potential, especially when corporate actions like takeovers bring volatility to share prices.
As the pharmaceutical firm navigates through this phase, market watchers will closely follow updates from both Mayne and Cosette to assess how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks.