CMA Launches Anti-Competition Investigation into AstraZeneca’s Alexion Acquisition

On May 25, 2021, the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an anti-competition investigation into AstraZeneca’s $39-billion acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals.

“[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,” CMA said in a statement.

CMA is currently accepting written comments regarding the December 2020 transaction until June 3, 2021.