ANALYSTS CLAIM ISRAEL'S TEVA COULD BECOME TAKEOVER TARGET

Israeli sources have reported that financial studies, conducted by US banking giant Bank of America (BofA) on generics major Teva, indicate that the company could become an acquisition target for drug majors in 2005. However, the research also claims that the company could alternatively purchase a leading Indian drugmaker, in an attempt to expand its international market position. Nevertheless, BofA remained positive on the company's recent performance and commercial management.