'No discussions' over AstraZeneca-Bristol Myers deal, senior source says

There are "no discussions" ongoing between AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb over a potential deal, a senior source ‌close to ⁠the ⁠matter told Reuters on Wednesday, quashing the prospect of a mooted mega merger between the drugmakers.

"There is no deal between AstraZeneca and BMS. There never was a deal to be done, and there are no discussions ⁠between the companies," ‌said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers ⁠Squibb both declined to comment in response ​to emailed questions from Reuters. On Sunday ​Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the situation, that the two drugmakers had held preliminary talks about a possible deal that would create a pharmaceutical behemoth ‌with a combined value of nearly $400 billion.


Reuters was unable to ascertain ​at that ​time if ⁠the discussions remained ongoing.

The Financial Times first reported news of the talks. AstraZeneca shares slid around 9% ​after the reports of the deal talks, while Bristol Myers shares had held more steady.