AstraZeneca Clears Final UK Antitrust Hurdle

Wednesday, July 14, AstraZeneca (AZ) announced that the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared the Alexion buyout without raising any antitrust concerns.

The go-ahead follows blessings from competition authorities in the US and EU and marks the final regulatory approval the company needs to seal the deal, which is now expected to close July 21.

The transaction, unveiled in December, gives AZ additional know-how in immunology and a presence in rare diseases. 

The combination of Alexion offers an immediate boost to AZ’s top line thanks mainly to complement inhibitors Soliris and Ultomiris, which together brought in US$1.37 billion in first-quarter sales. AZ also sees broad application of Alexion’s complement platform and other immunology technologies in various therapeutic areas—including oncology—to fuel future growth.

Once the takeover completes, AZ is creating a rare disease unit bearing Alexion’s name with headquarters at the US firm’s current location in Boston. The franchise will be led by Marc Dunoyer, currently AZ’s chief financial officer, who will also take on the title of chief strategy officer. His CFO role will be filled by Alexion’s CFO, Aradhana Sarin.

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