BIG DEAL: Drug, device and health products maker Johnson & Johnson says it will wrap up its biggest deal ever Thursday, a $19.7 billion purchase of Swiss orthopedic products maker Synthes.
STRATEGIC MOVE: J&J is aiming for a dominant position in the growing orthopedics surgery market by gaining the strong trauma surgery products business of Synthes and expanding that company in emerging markets such as China and India.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: J&J plans to take a $1.1 billion charge due to the deal but says it will add to its adjusted earnings per share by about 3 cets to 5 cents this year.
