After enjoying several decades of fast profit growth the pharmaceutical industry is under threat. Research & Development costs are outstripping the return on investment, many of the best selling drugs are reaching the end of their 20 year patent protection period and there is the increasing threat of regulatory reform. Against this background Fisons plc (Fisons), a medium sized UK pharmaceutical company, is struggling. A new Chief Executive Officer is appointed. The third in three years. In his attempt to revive Fisons he is forced to adopt a radical programme of reform. His harsh medicine appears to be working when Fisons becomes the target of a hostile take-over bid from Rhtne-Poulenc Rorer Inc. (RPR), the giant French pharmaceutical company. Is Fisons able to fight off this bid and remain independent?
