Deals
U.K. Pursues More Guarantees From Pfizer Over AstraZeneca
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The U.K. signaled it wants more guarantees from Pfizer Inc., the U.S. drugmaker seeking to acquire AstraZeneca Plc, and held open the possibility of blocking the deal using a “public interest” defense.
Prime Minister David Cameron reiterated today that he wants “more” from the company, while his deputy Nick Clegg said he wants “exacting, binding commitments” rather than “aspirations.” Their comments came after Pfizer yesterday issued a series of videos extolling the scientific benefits of a deal, while downplaying the potential tax advantages.