OREANDA-NEWS. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) and Allergan plc (NYSE:AGN) today announced that the companies have received a request for additional information from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) with respect to their previously announced pending combination. The request for information from the FTC, often referred to as a “second request,” was fully anticipated as part of the regulatory process under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (“HSR Act”).

The companies continue to work cooperatively and expeditiously with the FTC in connection with its review. Completion of the transaction remains subject to the expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act and certain other conditions, including governmental and regulatory approvals in certain other jurisdictions, including the EU, the receipt of necessary approvals from both Pfizer and Allergan shareholders, and the completion of Allergan’s pending divestiture of its generics business to Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. Pfizer and Allergan continue to expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2016.

About Pfizer Inc.

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world's best-known consumer health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. 

About Allergan

Allergan plc (NYSE:AGN), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a unique, global pharmaceutical company and a leader in a new industry model – Growth Pharma. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative branded pharmaceuticals, high-quality generic and over-the-counter medicines and biologic products for patients around the world. Allergan markets a portfolio of best-in-class products that provide valuable treatments for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics, gastroenterology, women's health, urology, cardiovascular and anti-infective therapeutic categories, and operates the world's third-largest global generics business, providing patients around the globe with increased access to affordable, high-quality medicines. Allergan is an industry leader in research and development, with one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry and a leading position in the submission of generic product applications globally.

With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives.