BlackRock Inc, AstraZeneca Plc's largest shareholder, wants the drugmaker to resume talks with Pfizer Inc about a potential sale eventually, but backs its decision this week to reject Pfizer's current bid, according to two people familiar with the matter. London-based AstraZeneca on Monday turned down New York-based Pfizer's "final" cash-and-stock bid worth about $118 billion. Under UK takeover rules, Pfizer's offer expires on May 26.After that, Pfizer would have to wait six months before making another bid. However, it would be possible for AstraZeneca to initiate talks from late August, if it decides it wants to coax a higher offer.BlackRock's view, first reported by Sky News, follows efforts by Pfizer advisers to urge investors to speak up against AstraZeneca's decision to reject its proposal.Several leading shareholders have spoken out, but sentiments have been mixed. Prior to BlackRock's views becoming known, investors representing around 10 percent of AstraZeneca's share base have said they disagreed with the board's decision, with a similar number broadly lending support.
BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) is an investment management firm. Shares of BLK traded higher by 0.22% or $0.67/share to $300.57. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $240.60 and as high as $326.00. On average, 687624 shares of BLK exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 410575.
Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer) is a research-based, global biopharmaceutical company. Shares of PFE traded higher by 0.3% or $0.09/share to $29.66. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $27.12 and as high as $32.96. On average, 31064400 shares of PFE exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 21451882.
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