With the Alexion deal, it will also now be trying to orchestrate a giant corporate merger at the same time. AstraZeneca executives said the deal would help expand Alexion's drug sales in new markets, particularly China. The Alexion deal will be AstraZeneca's last large acquisition for the near-term, said Chief Financial Officer Marc Dunoyer. The companies have been talking for several months, said AstraZeneca Chief Executive Pascal Soriot. In 2016, Alexion's chief executive and chief financial officer were forced to step down during a company investigation into improper sale and accounting practices.

Source: Wall Street Journal December 12, 2020 17:37 UTC