Optimer gains on further take out rumors
Shares of Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) jumped $1.85 (14%) to $14.66 on Monday after media reports surfaced that at least three companies made bids to acquire the company. The companies rumored to have made bids are Astellas Pharma Inc. (Tokyo:4503), AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NYSE:AZN) and Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CBST). Cubist declined to comment. The other companies could not be reached.
In February, Optimer jumped 13% to $12.13 after the company's board said it was exploring strategic alternatives. Optimer shares climbed further to $13.91 last month after rumors surfaced that several companies -- including Astellas, AstraZeneca and Cubist -- were interested in acquiring the biotech. Last week, however, Optimer shares shed 14% to $12.81 after the company reported 1Q13 financial results that missed the Street (see BioCentury Extra, April 2). ...