The FTC approved Takeda's deal to acquire Shire for $62 billion, the company announced in a press release.
Here's what you should know:
1. The FTC cleared the acquisition unconditionally.
2. The deal still has a number of regulatory burdens to clear and needs shareholder approval.
3. If Takeda completes the deal, it will be the world's most indebted drugmaker. To ease the burden, the company has made a series of transactions, including listing its Osaka, Japan-based headquarters for sale.
4. If the deal receives all necessary approvals, it could close in the first half of 2019.