Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Ireland-based pharmaceutical company Warner Chilcott
So what: The Times of London reported that German pharma giant Bayer may be getting ready to buy Warner Chilcott for $32 per share. With shares still trading at less than $20 after today's jump, there's obvious reason why investors would be excited about this rumor. Today's rumors follow closely on a Reuters' report from earlier in the week that claimed Bayer "is close to making a multi-billion euro acquisition to bolster its health care division."
Now what: Are the rumors about Bayer going shopping for acquisitions true? And, if they are, is Warner Chilcott really the target? If the answer to both turns out to be "yes" and the rumored buyout price proves on target, it would be a big boon to current shareholders.
But should investors be betting on these rumors being true? From the perspective of this stodgy Fool, investing is about buying businesses to become an owner, not speculating on rumors. So you can probably guess how I'd answer that question.
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