Yanai

"With this move, we create the critical mass" that Teva needs to establish a sizable, sustainable branded pharmaceutical business, Teva Chief Executive Shlomo Yanai said in an interview.

After Long Pursuit, Teva Wins Cephalon Jonathan D. Rockoff 2011

"We need to change the mindset of every single Japanese person," says Mikitani, who is likened to some of the country's other successful entrepreneurs such as Tadashi Yanai, founder of the clothier Uniqlo, and Masayoshi Son, chief executive of mobile phone network Softbank.

Japan's technology giants faced down disaster – but the new enemy is doubt 2012

Acquiring Cephalon will give Teva "both the high growth rate of generics and the high profitability of brands," Mr. Yanai said.

After Long Pursuit, Teva Wins Cephalon Jonathan D. Rockoff 2011

The branded business is more profitable than Teva's generics business, Mr. Yanai said, declining to specify the amount.

After Long Pursuit, Teva Wins Cephalon Jonathan D. Rockoff 2011

The Cephalon deal, expected to close in the third quarter, would reduceTeva's reliance on Copaxone, Mr. Yanai said.

After Long Pursuit, Teva Wins Cephalon Jonathan D. Rockoff 2011

Mr. Yanai declined to provide details on the profit margins for the business but said it generally ranged from 20% to 30% depending on the brand and market leadership.

P&G, Teva Form Venture to Market OTC Drugs Thomas Gryta 2011

Shlomo Yanai , Teva's president and chief executive, said it should add about 50% to last year's $650 million in sales from over-the-counter products for 2012.

P&G, Teva Form Venture to Market OTC Drugs Thomas Gryta 2011

The Uniqlo operator wants to open 200 to 300 stores outside Japan annually, Mr. Yanai said.

The Power List 2011

Mr. McDonald and Mr. Yanai said there won't be any major costs to forming the partnership.

P&G, Teva Form Venture to Market OTC Drugs Thomas Gryta 2011

In the interview, Mr. Yanai said Teva had been "on our radar screen" since the company decided to expand its branded business in 2009, and William Marth , head of Teva's Americas business, began meeting with Cephalon executives a year ago to signal interest in a combination.

After Long Pursuit, Teva Wins Cephalon Jonathan D. Rockoff 2011