US probes AstraZeneca spin-off

22 February 2000



US probes AstraZeneca spin-off

LIFE sciences giant AstraZeneca has been asked by the US federal trade
commission to provide more information about the spin-off of its
agrochemicals division.

The £9.5 billion business is due to be merged with Swiss group Novartis agrochemicals division to create a new company, Syngenta.

Analysts believe regulators require the sale of seeds and crop protection
to overcome competitive concerns, reportsThe Guardian.

AstraZeneca still hopes to complete the deal by the second half of the
year.

• Novartis and AstraZeneca to merge, FWi, 02 December, 1999
• The Guardian 22/02/2000 page 27.