Perrigo Co. will acquire Elan Corp. for $8.6 billion in cash and stock ($6.7 billion excluding Elan’s cash on hand). The acquisition has been unanimously approved by both boards of directors of Perrigo and Elan and is expected to close by the end of 2013. The companies will be combined into a new company incorporated in Ireland, Elan’s base, and will be led by Perrigo’s current leadership team. Keeping Ireland as the new company’s base will help reduce its corporate tax rate. The com...