UK TOP NEWS SUMMARY: AstraZeneca In USD39 Billion Deal For Alexion
Mon, 14th Dec 2020 10:58
(Alliance News) - The following is a summary of top news stories Monday.
COMPANIES
AstraZeneca, which is finalising a vaccine against Covid-19, said Saturday it was buying US biotech firm Alexion Pharmaceuticals for USD39 billion to boost its work on immunology. "Alexion has established itself as a leader in complement biology, bringing life-changing benefits to patients with rare diseases," AstraZeneca Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said in a statement, announcing the year's biggest deal in the pharma sector. "We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues at Alexion so that we can together build on our combined expertise in immunology and precision medicines to drive innovation that delivers life-changing medicines for more patients," he said. Both boards have agreed to the cash-and-stock deal, which values Alexion at USD175 a share, a premium of 45% to the Boston-based company's closing price on Friday in New York of USD120.98. Alexion was up 33% at USD160.72 in New York pre-market trade on Monday. Astra shares were down 6.1% in London.