AstraZeneca tie-up talks with Bristol-Myers Squibb are moving stocks. Analysts are puzzled.
AstraZeneca shares were slumping while Bristol-Myers Squibb was jumping on Monday on reported deal talks. But the big question is why these two pharmaceutical giants would want to come together in the first place.
AstraZeneca's shares fell as much as 7% on Monday, while Bristol-Myers Squibb's shares jumped, following reports that the two pharmaceutical giants are in talks over a potential merger. According to CNBC World and CNBC, the deal, if completed, could value the companies at roughly $400 billion, making it one of the biggest pharmaceutical deals ever.
AstraZeneca's market capitalization is $264 billion, with a target of $80 billion in sales by 2030, up from $58.7 billion last year. Bristol-Myers Squibb's market capitalization is approximately $133 billion. The Financial Times reported that the companies have discussed a potential merger over several months, but details are scarce and a deal may still not come together.
Analysts, including those at Jefferies, are puzzled by the news, citing AstraZeneca's strong growth and innovation profile. MarketWatch notes that the question on everyone's mind is why these two pharmaceutical giants would want to come together in the first place.
Brief written by urgent.news from MarketWatch, CNBC World, CNBC — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
