• |
Proposed transaction advances our shared mission of following the science and using innovative approaches to develop life-changing medicines for patients
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• |
Combining our expertise in rare diseases with AstraZeneca’s comprehensive global reach and broad portfolio, we will substantially expand our impact to the patients we can serve around the world
|
• |
Alexion strengthens AstraZeneca’s presence in immunology by adding Alexion’s strong pipeline and unique complement technology platforms
|
• |
Extends the promise of complement inhibition into non-rare diseases across AstraZeneca portfolio
|
• |
Broadens AstraZeneca’s portfolio of precision medicines addressing the large unmet needs of patients suffering from rare diseases
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• |
Enhanced global footprint and broad coverage across primary, specialty and highly specialized care
|
• |
Dedicated rare disease unit to be headquartered in Boston capitalizing on talent in the greater Boston area
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• |
Aligned culture/values and shared commitment to science and innovation to deliver life-changing medicines, bringing innovative medicines to millions of people worldwide
|
1. |
What is the strategic rationale for this acquisition?
|
• |
We believe this proposed transaction advances our shared mission of following the science and using innovative approaches to develop life-changing medicines for patients
|
• |
We have compatible cultures in that both AstraZeneca and Alexion are science- and patient-centric companies working to innovate on behalf of patients
|
• |
Every day our work translates to saving lives. It’s critical for us to stay focused on this important work today and every day
|
• |
The best way we can help patients is by staying focused on our mission and by doing the best work we can on a daily basis
|
2. |
How long was the company in discussions with AstraZeneca? Their CEO said in media interviews that discussions have been going for several months. Is that accurate?
|
• |
We anticipate filing a proxy statement in the first half of 2021 that will provide details on when the discussions began and other related information
|
3. |
Was it a competitive process?
|
• |
At this time we cannot comment on the merger discussions. We anticipate filing a proxy statement in the first half of 2021 with further information
|
4. |
Was the sale of Alexion based on recommendation from Elliott management? Was Elliott management involved in the discussions?
|
• |
We believe this proposed transaction advances our shared mission of following the science and using innovative approaches to develop life-changing medicines for patients
|
• |
We cannot comment on specific interactions with our shareholders
|
• |
At this time we cannot comment on the merger discussions. We anticipate filing a proxy statement in the first half of 2021 with further information
|
5. |
What does it mean that AstraZeneca is acquiring Alexion for both cash and stock consideration?
|
• |
It means that Alexion shareholders will receive consideration upon the closing of the transaction that includes a specified amount of AstraZeneca equity and a specified amount of cash. Specifically, Alexion and AstraZeneca have entered
into a definitive agreement under which AstraZeneca will acquire Alexion in a cash and stock transaction for a total consideration of approximately $39 billion, or $175 per share
|
• |
Under the agreement, at the time of close, Alexion shareholders will receive $60 in cash and 2.1243 of AstraZeneca American Depositary Shares (ADSs) (each ADS represents half of one ordinary share of AstraZeneca, as evidenced by American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs)
|
• |
Alexion shareholders will own approximately 15% of the combined company
|
6. |
How long will it take for the deal to close?
|
• |
We expect the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2021, following approval by AstraZeneca and Alexion shareholders, certain regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions
|
7. |
What does this mean for the patients we serve?
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• |
Every day our work translates into saving lives. It’s critical for us to stay focused on this important work today and every day
|
• |
The best way we can help patients is by maintaining our focus and by doing the best work we can on a daily basis
|
8. |
Does AstraZeneca have the same commitment to patients as Alexion?
|
• |
Both companies share similar values, including being driven by innovation and the commitment to make a real-life difference in patients’ lives
|
9. |
What regulatory clearances are needed for the deal to close?
|
• |
Closing of the acquisition is subject to approval by AstraZeneca and Alexion shareholders, certain regulatory approvals, approval of the new AstraZeneca shares for listing with the Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the London
Stock Exchange, and other customary closing conditions
|
10. |
Why will the acquisition not close until the third quarter?
|
• |
Closing of the acquisition is subject to approval by AstraZeneca and Alexion shareholders, certain regulatory approvals, approval of the new AstraZeneca shares for listing with the Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the London
Stock Exchange, and other customary closing conditions
|
11. |
Why was this announced over the weekend?
|
• |
We understand this is a busy time of year, and announcing over the weekend is not ideal. Given that this transaction is between two public companies and is material in nature, AstraZeneca and Alexion were committed to disclosing the
information publicly as soon as possible after the deal was finalized
|
12. |
Will any of Alexion’s directors serve on the combined company’s board after closing?
|
• |
The companies will mutually agree on the two individuals from the current Alexion board of directors who will join the AstraZeneca board of directors upon closing of the acquisition
|
13. |
Will Alexion be a separate business unit or division of AstraZeneca?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such
|
• |
AstraZeneca has said they plan to create a new Rare Disease unit that will collaborate with their existing therapy area teams and that it will establish Boston as its global rare disease headquarters
|
• |
AstraZeneca has also indicated that members of Alexion’ current senior management team will lead the future rare disease activities
|
14. |
Will we maintain the Alexion name and brand?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such
|
• |
At this time it is too early in the process to provide any further details. A dedicated team with representatives from both companies will drive the integration planning, which will provide a forum for questions such as this.
|
• |
While we may not have all the answers immediately, we are committed to being as transparent and timely as possible in our communications throughout this process
|
15. |
What will the integration process look like and who is involved?
|
• |
For almost all of our employees, there will be no change in day-to-day roles, and our goal is to ensure business continuity
|
• |
A dedicated team with representatives from both companies will drive integration planning. At this time it is too early in the process to provide any further details. While we may not have all the answers immediately, we are committed to
being as transparent and timely as possible in our communications throughout this process
|
• |
The most important thing employees can do at this stage is to continue to focus on delivering our business priorities. Patients rely on us and, therefore, it is critical we continue to operate as an independent entity and ensure the
availability and safe delivery of our medicines to patients
|
• |
Please remember, as always, your confidentiality obligations to Alexion remain in place
|
16. |
Is AstraZeneca committed to retaining Alexion current locations/sites?
|
• |
AstraZeneca intends to establish Boston as its headquarters for rare diseases
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such
|
• |
A dedicated team with representatives from both companies will drive integration planning. At this time it is too early in the process to provide any further details. While we may not have all the answers immediately, we are committed to
being as transparent and timely as possible in our communications throughout this process.
|
17. |
Will my reporting structure change prior to close?
|
• |
Employees will continue to report to their respective managers, and we will continue to operate as an independent company until close. If there are changes to reporting structures prior to closing, it will be solely determined by Alexion
as part of normal business operations and not related to the transaction
|
18. |
If we are hiring on my team or in my function, how does this transaction impact current recruits and new hires? Will Alexion be freezing open positions?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such
|
• |
We remain focused on executing on our business priorities and recognize the need to support our corporate objectives and strategic ambitions, which includes hiring in line with our annual operating plan to support these objectives and
ambitions
|
• |
During this time, hiring managers together with their People and Culture Leads and HR Executive Partners will evaluate each open position accordingly
|
19. |
What happens to employment offers that have been extended by Alexion to individuals who have not yet started employment?
|
• |
These offers of employment will remain in place with our new colleagues expected to start as planned. Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such, including continuing our ordinary
course of business and hiring to meet our business demands
|
20. |
What if I have a separation agreement in place with Alexion today?
|
•
|
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such and the terms—compensation, timing, etc.—of your current separation agreement remain unchanged
|
21. |
How will contractors, consultants, and other contingent workers be managed?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such. This includes continuing to manage these existing relationships as part of our ordinary course of business
|
22. |
Are contractors, consultants and other contingent workers eligible for benefits related to this acquisition upon close?
|
•
|
Eligible full-time and part-time employees are eligible for Alexion benefits
|
23. |
Will we follow our usual 2020 performance and review cycle?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such. This includes continuing our usual year-end compensation practices
|
• |
The timing of our 2020-2021 compensation cycle will continue unchanged:
|
o |
Our 2020 compensation cycle will proceed as normal, with merit-based increases communicated in March and made retroactive to January 1, 2021
|
o |
We will process 2020 AIP as usual, with payment in March 2021
|
• |
Our benefit plans put in place for 2021 will go forward as planned
|
• |
For 2021 we will also plan to continue our usual practice of establishing an annual bonus program and providing our annual equity grant
|
24. |
As a result of the merger, what will happen to the Portola integration that is currently in progress?
|
• |
We will continue to integrate Portola into the Alexion organization as planned. Successful integration and execution of our Andexxa/Ondexxya strategy remain critical to achieving our business priorities
|
25. |
The announcement mentions $500M in synergies; what does this mean?
|
• |
AstraZeneca has said that they think of this deal foremost as a complementary transaction and that they expect to see significant value from leveraging AstraZeneca’s deep scientific expertise and technological platform to expand the
reach of Alexion’ existing and future pipeline
|
• |
A dedicated team with representatives from both companies will drive integration planning. At this time it is too early in the process to provide any further details. While we may not have all the answers immediately, we are committed to
being as transparent and timely as possible in our communications throughout this process
|
26. |
What do I communicate to external parties who may have questions – suppliers, customers, etc.?
|
• |
Only authorized employees should speak with external parties
|
• |
Employees should not speak to the media or financial community under any circumstances
|
• |
If you do get inquires from media, please direct them to Megan.Goulart@alexion.com and if an investor reaches out to you, please direct them to Chris.Stevo@alexion.com
|
27. |
What can I communicate to my family members and friends?
|
• |
Information from the press release can be shared. The press release is available on the investor page of Alexion.com
|
28. |
How soon can Alexion employees interact with AstraZeneca employees? Can I reach out to former colleagues at AstraZeneca?
|
• |
Ahead of the close, you should not reach out to employees from AstraZeneca, unless you are doing so as part of the ordinary course of business
|
• |
On both sides, there are strict restrictions and regulations in place between now and close, with only a small team permitted to work on advance planning, and both companies are directing employees not to discuss business matters
|
• |
Should you require guidance, please contact with Brett.Budzinski@alexion.com
|
• |
Please remember your confidentiality obligations to Alexion remain in place
|
29. |
Will I keep my job following the closing?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such
|
• |
A dedicated team with representatives from both companies will drive integration planning. At this time it is too early in the process to provide any further details. While we may not have all the answers immediately, we are committed to
being as transparent and timely as possible in our communications throughout this process
|
• |
We will provide ways to further engage next week and in the new year
|
30. |
Will I be restricted from trading in Alexion or AstraZeneca securities while the transaction is pending?
|
• |
As an Alexion employee you remain subject to our Securities Trading Policy, including the blackout periods and the restrictions upon trading when in possession of material, non-public information
|
31. |
When will I get paid?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such, which includes our usual payroll processing
|
• |
No changes or disruptions to payroll are expected to occur prior to close. In the event of any changes, you would be provided with ample prior notice
|
32. |
What do I do if I already have time off scheduled?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such. Existing policies remain in place until close. If you have any questions about your scheduled time off, consult your manager
|
33. |
What happens if I have Alexion stock options?
|
•
|
When the transaction is complete, all vested and unvested options will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration in respect of each net
option share subject to the option, with the number of net option shares calculated as described in the Merger Agreement. If the exercise price equals or exceeds the Merger Consideration value, the option is cancelled for no
consideration
|
34. |
What happens with the vested Alexion stock that I own?
|
• |
Following the close of the transaction, vested Alexion shares will be exchanged for the Merger Consideration, which consists of $60 in cash and 2.1243 of AstraZeneca American Depositary Shares (ADSs) (each ADS represents half of one
ordinary share of AstraZeneca, as evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) for each Alexion share
|
35. |
What happens with my unvested RSUs and PSUs when the deal closes?
|
• |
Upon close of the transaction, unvested RSUs will be converted to AstraZeneca RSUs. They will remain subject to the original terms and conditions of the award, including the original vesting schedule
|
• |
Unvested PSUs will be converted to AstraZeneca RSUs and remain subject to original terms and conditions of award – other than the performance vesting condition stated below – including the original vesting schedule
|
• |
For unvested PSUs, performance will be determined by Alexion prior to the close of the transaction based on the greater of the target or actual performance, subject to a cap of:
|
o |
175% of the performance target for the 2019 PSU award
|
o |
150% of the performance target for the 2020 PSU award
|
36. |
What is the difference between PSUs and RSUs, how do I know what I have?
|
• |
RSUs are restricted stock units and PSUs are performance stock units. You should consult your stock plan or reach out to your people and culture partner for more information about your equity if you have questions
|
37. |
Are there any changes to our compensation and benefits between now and close of the transaction?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such. This includes continuing our usual year-end compensation practices
|
• |
The timing of our 2020-2021 compensation cycle will continue unchanged:
|
o |
Our 2020 compensation cycle will proceed as normal, with merit-based increases communicated in March and made retroactive to January 1, 2021
|
o |
We will process 2020 AIP as usual, with payment in March 2021
|
• |
As we look ahead, the 2021 annual equity grant will be made as usual, except that any PSUs that were to be provided will be substituted with RSUs
|
• |
We will establish a 2021 annual incentive plan as usual that will be paid (assuming a closing in 2021) on a pro-rated basis at the close of the transaction based on the actual achievement of certain objectives
|
• |
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan will remain in effect for the current period, and then terminate, meaning that the scheduled purchase on December 15 will occur as planned, but a new offering period will not commence on January 1, 2021
|
38. |
What happens with our compensation and benefits after the transaction closes?
|
• |
Until the transaction closes, we remain an independent company and will continue to operate as such. This includes continuing our usual year-end compensation practices
|
• |
As part of the agreement, following the close of the transaction AstraZeneca has agreed that for a period of 12 months it will not reduce base salaries of continuing employees, that it will provide aggregate cash and equity incentive
compensation opportunities no less favorable in the aggregate than those provided pre-closing of the transaction, and will maintain employee benefits that are substantially similar in the aggregate to those provided pre-closing of the
transaction
|
• |
For employees who continue their employment until the first year after the close of the transaction, all RSUs that would have vested between the first and second year of closing will be accelerated to the first year
|
• |
In addition, 2021 annual equity grants will be made as usual, except that PSUs will be substituted with RSUs
|
39. |
What severance protections do we have?
|
• |
Alexion adopted a Severance Plan to provide separation benefits to eligible employees who experience a qualifying termination within 12 months following the close of the transaction
|
• |
The full Severance Plan will be made available to employees in the coming days
|
• |
Please note that employees will have to sign a release of claims in order to receive the Severance Plan benefits, with cash benefits being paid in a lump sum, subject to applicable tax withholding, after the release becomes effective
|
• |
The Severance Plan separation benefits consist of:
|
o |
A severance amount which is an amount of base pay according to each employee level
|
o |
A pro-rated incentive award which provides an at-target annual bonus or sales incentive, pro-rated to date of the termination of the employee
|
o |
A Health Subsidy provided for employees on Alexion plans, which will be an amount to cover the cost of the Company portion of health insurance premiums for a period of time corresponding to the Severance Amount
|
o |
Outplacement assistance for employees to find their next opportunity, provided through a Company vendor, and
|
o |
Full acceleration of all outstanding legacy Alexion equity awards, including awards that converted in connection with the close of the transaction
|
1. |
Who is AstraZeneca?
|
• |
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company that has been focused on transforming its pipeline and returning to growth through a renewed focus on enhanced innovation and sustainable delivery of
life-changing medicines to improve patient outcomes and health experiences
|
• |
Strategic priorities include:
|
• |
Accelerate Innovative Science
|
• |
Deliver Growth and Therapy Area Leadership
|
• |
Be a Great Place to Work
|
2. |
Where is AstraZeneca headquartered?
|
• |
AstraZeneca is a global biopharmaceutical company with many locations across the globe and headquarters in Cambridge, UK
|
3. |
On what therapeutic areas is AstraZeneca focused?
|
• |
AstraZeneca has built a growing scientific presence in oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, and respiratory and immunology diseases with a focus on organ protection. It has developed a broad range of technologies, initially
focused on small molecules and biologics and with a growing effort in precision medicine, genomics, oligonucleotides and epigenetics. More recently, the Company has increased its efforts in immunology research and the development of
medicines for immune-mediated diseases
|
• |
For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit www.AstraZeneca.com
|
4. |
How many employees does AstraZeneca have?
|
• |
As of their 2020 20F filing, AstraZeneca has approximately 70,600 total global employees
|