Are AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb currently engaged in merger discussions?

"There are 'no discussions' ongoing between AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb over a potential deal," a senior source close to the matter told Reuters, adding, "There is no deal between AstraZeneca and BMS. There never was a deal to be done, and there are no discussions between the companies."

What did Reuters initially report about AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb, and how was that clarified?

Reuters initially reported—citing a person familiar with the situation—that the two drugmakers had held preliminary talks about a possible deal, which would create a pharmaceutical behemoth valued at nearly $400 billion; however, it was later clarified by a senior source that those reports were inaccurate, stating unequivocally that "there are no discussions between the companies" and "there never was a deal to be done."

No Discussions Over AstraZeneca-Bristol Myers Deal, Senior Source Says

Aug 5, 2026

AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb denied merger talks, dispelling rumors of a $400 billion deal that previously caused significant share price movements.

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AstraZeneca should stick to its winning formula. It doesn’t need a $400bn US mega-merger