Post #4373354

2026-08-04 05:22 UTC

The further consolidation of the pharmaceutical sector looks likely, making the epithet 'BigPharma' even more apposite: UK-based AstraZenica are in talks with US Bristol Myers about a merger into a likely $400bn capitalised mega corporation (making it the fourth largest global drug maker). Is this a further sign that UK corporations are under-valued, or an indication of a pivot away from the UK drugs market, or both? We can bet it won't *reduce* drug prices! #BigPharma #economics h/t FT

Replies (1)

@RaymondPierreL3@aus.social 2026-08-04 05:46

@ChrisMayLA6@mastodon.me.uk I’d be more concerned about the growing trend towards conglomeration of key industrial players and its effect on markets. At which point ought a sovereign economy need call a stop to the concentration of market power through mergers before a ‘zaibatsu’ -like conglomerate effectively captures State power in that economy? IMO there needs to be a red line clearly defined in law between efficiency of assets through mergers and control of the market via monopolies and that red line ought not be crossed. Is there such a law in the UK? There isn’t in Australia and in the US, antitrust law seems to be applied according to the whims of the governing administration. All in all the NeoLiberals are having a field day, a long one at that…

Open ##4373353