AstraZeneca / Alexion Pharmaceuticals merger inquiry

The CMA investigated and cleared the anticipated acquisition by AstraZeneca plc of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 25 May 2021
• Last updated: 18 August 2021 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Healthcare and medical equipment
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 24 May 2021
• Closed: 14 June 2021

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 date	Action
14 July 2021	Decision announced
21 July 2021	Deadline for phase 1 decision
25 May 2021 to 3 June 2021	Invitation to comment
25 May 2021	Launch of merger inquiry

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

14 July 2021: The CMA has cleared the anticipated acquisition by AstraZeneca plc of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• Full text decision (18.8.21)

Launch of merger inquiry

25 May 2021: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement notice (25.5.21)

Invitation to comment: closed 3 June 2021

25 May 2021: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.

These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition issues to:

[email protected]

Published 25 May 2021
Last updated 18 August 2021 + show all updates

1. 18 August 2021

   Full text decision published.

2. 14 July 2021

   Clearance decision announced.

3. 25 May 2021

   First published.