By Ian Walker

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said Tuesday that it is considering whether AstraZeneca PLC's acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. will lessen competition within the U.K., and is inviting comments from interested parties ahead of a final decision.

The regulator said interested parties have until June 3 to offer their comments. It has also set a deadline of July 21 for a Phase 1 decision into the deal.

AstraZeneca on Dec. 12 agreed to buy Boston-based Alexion Pharmaceuticals for $39 billion in cash and stock, a move that would bolster the British drug company's footprint in immunology and rare diseases.

Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 25, 2021 02:28 ET (06:28 GMT)

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