AZ’s £27bn tie-up faces scrutiny

ASTRAZENECA’S biggest takeover, the £27.6billion deal for American pharmaceuticals group Alexion, is at risk after the markets watchdog revealed it is investigating.

The Competition & Markets Authority said it is carrying out a preliminary look at the BritishQDOS, Swedish pharma giant’s deal to see if it will reduce competition.

It has set a deadline of June 3 for interested parties to contact it with their concerns.

The CMA will announce whether it will carry out a more detailed investigation by July 21.