Illumina’s $7.1 billion play for cancer startup Grail faces global headwinds

MLex Market Insight

On March 30, the US Federal Trade Commission challenged Illumina’s proposed acquisition of cancer diagnostic startup Grail, arguing that Illumina would have both the incentive and the ability to disadvantage Grail’s competitors by denying them access to its essential, next-generation sequencing technology. The deal has tapped into global regulatory concerns over vertical acquisitions, pharmaceutical deals and so-called killer acquisitions.