Hospira's Drastically Reduced Price Could Spur Takeover Attempts From Competitors

Hospira, which has recently been the target of regulatory scrutiny for errors in its manufacturing processes, has become so cheap that buyers may look to claim the company's market share for specialty generic injectable drugs, according to a Bloomberg Businessweek report.

Hospira, which manufactures anesthesia and cancer treatments, has fallen 49 percent this year, the greatest drop of any healthcare company in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. The fall comes as Hospira fixes quality control problems at its plants following warnings from the FDA. The company is currently the cheapest generic drug manufacturer in the U.S. greater than $500 million.

The drastically reduced price may attract acquisition interest from competitors, including Fresenius SE or Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Hospira may be worth as much as $60 a share in an acquisition, according to the report.

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