The $58.3b acquisition of UK-founded, Dublin-based drug maker Shire by Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. took a key step forward on 5 December when shareholders of both firms approved the deal. Takeda shareholders also approved the issuance of new stock to finance the purchase. Although concern over an increase in debt has been expressed by some investors, the move—expected to be completed on 8 January—will make Jersey-registered Takeda one of the world’s 10 largest pharmaceutical firms in terms of revenue.