Next deal up for Merck: Selling $15 billion worth of older brands

Merck & Co Inc is considering selling a big portfolio of mature drugs that could fetch more than $15 billion, according to people familiar with the matter, as the U.S. drugmaker continues to streamline businesses to focus on high-growth areas.

Merck, which is also in the process of selling its $14 billion consumer healthcare unit, is working with an investment bank on the potential sale of the off-patent drugs, which could draw interest from generic drugmakers, the people said.

Merck's off-patent drugs are called "diversified brands" and many are sold in emerging markets.

UK lawmakers plan to probe Pfizer pursuit of AstraZeneca

Reuters | By Kylie MacLellan and Ben Hirschler

British lawmakers intend to investigate U.S. drugmaker Pfizer's planned $100 billion takeover of British rival AstraZeneca in a bid to ensure scientific research and jobs are protected.

Members of the parliamentary business, innovation and skills committee are worried that the deal, which would be the biggest-ever foreign acquisition of a British company, could threaten the country's strategic interests.

"We are keen to look closely at it," committee member Ann McKechin told Reuters.

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