It is the largest takeover in its history and cements the company s transformation from prey to predator since it fended off a £69billion bid from rival Pfizer in 2014, when Soriot argued Astra s best days were still ahead of it.
The CMA s ruling comes days after EU officials gave the cash-and-shares merger the green light.
US authorities had already waved it through, and shareholders in both companies overwhelmingly voted in favour of the deal in May.
Alexion is known for its blood disease drug Soliris and followed this up with Ultomiris, which was approved two years ago.
The takeover will lead to £375million in annual savings and means that Alexion s drugs could be rolled out to more markets, such as China.
AstraZeneca s $39 Billion Deal To Buy Alexion Given All-Clear
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Astrazeneca wins all-clear to swoop on rare disease drug firm Alexion
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Jul 6, 2021 11:13am
AstraZeneca on Tuesday said that the European Union has approved its acquisition of Boston-based Alexion. (AstraZeneca)
AstraZeneca’s $39 billion takeover of rare disease specialist Alexion has another regulatory blessing in the bag, but the pair are still holding out for a key nod from the U.K. to settle the deal.
AstraZeneca on Tuesday said that the European Union has approved its acquisition of Boston-based Alexion, inching closer toward its goal of closing the deal by the end of September.
The company’s Alexion buyout also has the backing from the U.S., Japan, Canada and others. But it can’t go through without the U.K.’s approval, where it’s still pending, AZ said.