EU expected to approve Novo’s major acquisition

Novo Nordisk’s acquisition of the US drug manufacturer Catalent for $16.5 billion appears set for EU approval without additional demands, a source informed Reuters. The deal would expand Novo Nordisk’s production capacity, which is currently insufficient to meet the high demand for its diabetes and weight loss medications. Despite this, Novo Nordisk’s CFO Karsten Munk Knudsen mentioned the company could still increase capacity even if the acquisition fails, albeit at a slower pace. Catalent is reportedly preparing its management for the transaction’s completion. The deal is also under review by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has been silent since May. Both Novo and Catalent have not provided comments on Reuters’ inquiry, and the EU Commission, with a deadline set for December 6 to decide on the deal, declined to comment.