Abbott Laboratories has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the New Jersey-based speciality pharmaceutical company Kos Pharmaceuticals. Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will pay US$78 in cash for each Kos share, representing a total deal value of US$3.7 B. This feature looks at the rapid growth of Kos Pharmaceuticals and at the reasons why it is such an attractive proposition for Abbott to acquire. Aspects discussed include the Kos'cardiovascular products (the source of much of its growth) and the complementary assets of the two companies.