Bangalore, Sep 08, 2010: Indian pharma giant Sun Pharmaceutical has announced that the Supreme Court of Israel has unanimously dismissed the appeal by Israeli pharma major, Taro Pharmaceutical, of the previous ruling by the Tel-Aviv District Court holding that the Israeli special tender offer (STO) rules do not apply to the Tender Offer by Sun's subsidiary, Alkaloida, to purchase all outstanding ordinary shares of Taro for $7.75 net per ordinary share in cash. The Court also lifted its temporary order that prohibited the closing of the offer, prior to its ruling.

In its 69-page decision, the three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of Israel said there were no legal or moral grounds upon which to require Sun to comply with the STO rules. The Court declared that its ruling in favor of Sun was dictated by concerns of fairness, good faith and commercial stability and affirmed the District Court's finding that Taro and its directors, had acted in bad faith. The Court also awarded Sun expenses.

"Sun is gratified that the Supreme Court of Israel has upheld the decision of the Tel-Aviv District Court. We are ready to finally move forward now to close the offer and enforce our rights under the Option Agreement, to purchase the Levitts' controlling shares," said Mr Dilip Shanghvi, chairman and managing director of Sun.

As previously announced, the offer is scheduled to expire on the fifth business day following the date Sun announces a ruling on the appeal of the STO litigation. Thus, the Offer is now set to expire at midnight, New York City time, on Tuesday, Sep 14, 2010. Also, as previously announced, Alkaloida will provide a subsequent offering period, of not less than ten business days nor more than 20 business days following the expiration date. As of 5 pm, New York City time, on Sep 3, 2010, 28,882 ordinary shares had been tendered, and not withdrawn from the offer.