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AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Deny Merger Talks; Shares Split

8/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A senior source told Reuters that AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb said there are no merger discussions.
AstraZeneca shares rose 2.9% after the report.
Bristol Myers Squibb shares fell 2.6% at 1341 GMT.
Earlier reports suggested a nearly $400 billion deal that would have been the largest pharmaceutical merger.
Analysts said the companies’ competing lung-cancer drugs Imfinzi and Opdivo would have complicated antitrust review.

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Story summary

A senior source told Reuters that AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb said there are no merger discussions.
AstraZeneca shares rose 2.9% after the report.
Bristol Myers Squibb shares fell 2.6% at 1341 GMT.
Earlier reports suggested a nearly $400 billion deal that would have been the largest pharmaceutical merger.
Analysts said the companies’ competing lung-cancer drugs Imfinzi and Opdivo would have complicated antitrust review.