Takeda Announces Strategic Measures to Achieve Efficiencies for Long-Term Growth

Osaka, Japan (ots/PRNewswire) -

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced today strategic
measures to better align its global workforce and consolidate site
operations in order to integrate legacy Nycomed operations,
strengthen its presence in more than 70 countries, adapt to changing
market conditions and maintain a focus on growth through innovation
and culture, as outlined in its 2011-2013 Mid-Range Plan (MRP).

The measures support both the execution of the company's strategy
and the integration targets announced last year. They would also
bring further efficiencies to the organization to sustain medium and
long-term growth targets starting in fiscal 2015. The company will
align Nycomed's former operation structures and processes with the
Takeda global headquarters in Japan and the newly defined
organizations of the Chief Commercial Officer - which is
headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland - and Chief Medical & Scientific
Officer - which is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois - and its
expanded affiliate network worldwide.

"The combination of Takeda and Nycomed, which we acquired on
September 30, 2011, brought together Takeda's strong presence in the
Japanese and U.S. markets with the legacy Nycomed business
infrastructure in Europe and high-growth emerging markets," said
Yasuchika Hasegawa, President & CEO, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
Limited. "While our combined operations in more than 70 countries are
more complementary than overlapping, there are a number of areas
where we will need to make changes to ensure efficient and flexible
operations moving forward."

Takeda will secure a sustainable future by maximizing the
synergies of the steady integration of Takeda and Nycomed, such as
the sales expansion of Takeda's product pipeline utilizing Nycomed's
strong sales platforms in Europe and emerging countries.

To meet the needs of the market, Takeda will also shift from a
product portfolio centered on mature, high selling products to a more
diverse portfolio focused on new products. The combined company has
an active commercial presence in the therapeutic areas of metabolic
diseases, gastroenterology, oncology, cardiovascular health, CNS
diseases, inflammatory and immune disorders, respiratory diseases and
pain management.

Takeda also plans to consolidate its R&D sites to ensure ongoing
support for all marketed products and support development and global
registration of new products throughout the combined footprint.
Takeda will invest strongly in R&D focused on core therapeutic areas,
while effectively deploying both internal and external resources to
create innovative drugs and transform treatment paradigms. The
integrated R&D organization aims to support Takeda's global vision of
bringing innovative products to address patients' needs by maximizing
efficiency, driving standardization, optimizing resource utilization
and driving productivity.

To meet its goals, Takeda plans the consolidation of a number of
sites and functions, including the potential merger or liquidation of
subsidiaries mainly in Europe, and a reduction of workforce in the
United States, primarily within Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America.
The necessary cost for this plan is estimated approximately Yen 70
billion in total during fiscal 2011 - 2015. During this period,
Takeda will achieve cost synergies of approximately Yen 200 billion.
The cost synergy in Europe estimated in fiscal 2014 is now Yen 40
billion which is 10 billion greater than the original forecast
announced in May 2011. Takeda plans a reduction of the Takeda global
workforce by approximately 2,800 (2,100 mainly in Europe and 700 in
the U.S.) positions by the end of fiscal 2015 across the functions of
R&D, commercial, operations and G&A.

Employees affected by the measures will be offered appropriate
guidance and support in accordance with Takeda's corporate values and
applicable local practices, policies and requirements.

The financial impact of this plan within fiscal 2011 ending March
2012 is estimated at Yen 35 billion downward in income, and the
revised forecast of Takeda's consolidated financial statements,
including these strategic measures and other factors, will be
disclosed upon fiscal 2011 3Q earnings release announcement scheduled
on the 1st February 2012. The updates for progress of consolidation
of sites and functions will be announced in an appropriate and timely
manner.

These strategic measures and plans announced today are subject to
appropriate information and consultation processes with affected
employees and their representatives in accordance with applicable
national laws on a country by country basis, which commence today.

About Takeda

Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global
company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest
pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the
industry, Takeda is committed to strive towards better health for
patients worldwide through leading innovation in medicine. Additional
information about Takeda is available through its corporate website,
http://www.takeda.com.

Takeda's Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements include statements regarding Takeda's
plans, outlook, strategies, results for the future, and other
statements that are not descriptions of historical facts.
Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of
forward-looking words such as "may," "believe," "will," "expect,"
"project," "estimate," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "assume,"
"continue," "seek," "pro forma," "potential," "target," "forecast,"
"guidance," "outlook" or "intend" or other similar words or
expressions of the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are
based on estimates and assumptions made by management that are
believed to be reasonable, though they are inherently uncertain and
difficult to predict. Investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on
such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results or experience to differ materially from
that expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of
these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (1)
the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda's business, including
general economic conditions in Japan, the United States and
worldwide; (2) competitive pressures and developments; (3) applicable
laws and regulations; (4) the success or failure of product
development programs; (5) actions of regulatory authorities and the
timing thereof; (6) changes in exchange rates; (7) claims or concerns
regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product
candidates in development; and (8) integration activities with
acquired companies.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release
speak only as of the date of this press release, and Takeda
undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking
statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances
after the date of the forward-looking statement. If Takeda does
update or correct one or more of these statements, investors and
others should not conclude that Takeda will make additional updates
or corrections.

Takeda Media and Investor Contacts:
For Japanese Media and Global IR Inquiries:
Seizo Masuda
+81-3-3278-2037
masuda_seizo@takeda.co.jp
For U.S. Media Inquiries:
Sandy Rodriguez
+1-224-554-5693
sandy.rodriguez@takeda.com
For Media Inquiries:
Tobias Cottmann
+41-79-2177252
tobias.cottmann@takeda.com

ots Originaltext: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
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