EU antitrust regulators have extended the deadline for their decision on US life sciences company Illumina’s bid for $8 billion cash-and-stock takeover of Grail to March 4, according to a European Commission filing.
The five working day extension followed a 15 working day extension last month.
The deal, unveiled in September 2020, would give Illumina access to Grail’s flagship Galleri blood test used to diagnose cancers at early stages when the disease is easier to treat.
The EU competition watchdog has previously cautioned that the acquisition could curb innovation and competition.
Illumina however has rejected such concerns, saying that Menlo Park, California-based Grail has no presence in Europe and has no plans to enter the region for the foreseeable future.
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