Pfizer's growth spurt

Eighteen months ago, flat-to-flagging growth across Pfizer Inc.'s innovative and established products businesses suggested the pharma needed a major acquisition to shore up the units before it could move forward with a much-discussed potential breakup. But what a difference a year and a half makes.

As a result of bolt-on acquisitions, new approvals and pipeline progress, it now appears that Pfizer could be on track for a breakup with or without the object of its new M&A interest - Allergan plc...