Merck to Buy Cubist for $8.4B in Cash to Add Antibiotics

The transcript discusses a significant acquisition in the pharmaceutical industry, where Cuba Pharmaceuticals, a maker of antibiotics, is being acquired in a deal valued at over $7 billion. The deal includes $1.1 billion in net debt and represents a 37% premium to Cubists' last close. This acquisition is part of a broader trend where large pharmaceutical companies are cutting their R&D costs by outsourcing and acquiring other companies. The transcript also compares the workforce sizes of the involved companies, highlighting the strategic shifts in the industry.

What is the name of the company that is a maker of antibiotics?

What is the value of the deal mentioned in the text?

What is the premium percentage mentioned in the deal?

What strategy are big pharma companies adopting regarding their R&D costs?

How many employees does Merck have according to the text?