UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – AstraZeneca to list shares on New York Stock Exchange to attract global investors, while retaining its London listing and UK headquarters.
As reported by The Guardian, the drugmaker AstraZeneca plans to list shares on the NYSE while confirming its London market presence amid future uncertainty.
The FTSE 100 firm stated its move to directly list on the New York Stock Exchange will replace trading through American depositary receipts on Nasdaq.
How did Michel Demare describe AstraZeneca’s global listing plans?
Michel Demare, chair of AstraZeneca, stated,
“Today, we set out our proposed harmonised listing structure which will support our long-term strategy for sustainable growth, while remaining headquartered in the UK and listed in London, Stockholm and New York.”
He added,
“Enabling a global listing structure will allow us to reach a broader mix of global investors and will make it even more attractive for all our shareholders to have the opportunity to participate in AstraZeneca’s exciting future.”
AstraZeneca’s views on its US expansion and investment plans
AstraZeneca confirmed its UK headquarters and London listing will remain unchanged, while investors can trade shares in London, Stockholm, and New York.
The company is increasing its focus on the US market to counter trade tariffs, with a $50 billion investment planned over the next five years.
How is AstraZeneca’s UK commitment under scrutiny amid the US focus?
AstraZeneca faces increasing scrutiny in the UK after it paused a planned £200m expansion of its Cambridge research site.
The initiative is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs and is among several large projects scrapped or paused amid ongoing disputes with the government over drug pricing.
The firm scrapped a £450m investment in its Merseyside vaccine facility, citing cuts in government support after months of negotiations.
Reports suggest Sir Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca’s CEO, is considering moving the company’s stock market listing to the US.
Mr Soriot has criticized the UK for rejecting AstraZeneca’s breast cancer drug. He warned that Britain and Europe are falling behind China and the US in biotech innovation.
In 2024, AstraZeneca made $23.2bn (£17.25bn) in the US, the world’s largest pharmaceutical market. This accounted for nearly 43% of its total revenue.
Mr Soriot was the highest-paid FTSE 100 executive in 2023, earning £16.85m, up from £15.3m the previous year.
What impact would AstraZeneca’s US listing have on the LSE?
The move to list AstraZeneca in the US would pose a major threat to the London Stock Exchange, following a series of exits by companies seeking higher market value.
The British government may act if AstraZeneca shifts its listing, though it lacks formal authority to block it, despite life sciences being a key growth sector.
The LSE has seen departures from companies such as Ashtead, Flutter Entertainment, CRH, and Smurfit Westrock in recent years.
Which major drugs does AstraZeneca produce?
- Oncology: Imfinzi, Lynparza, Tagrisso, and Enhertu.
- Cardiovascular, renal & metabolism: Crestor, Farxiga, Brilinta, Tenormin.
- Respiratory & immunology: Symbicort, Pulmicort, and Fasenra.
- Vaccines & immune therapies: Evusheld, Fluenz/FluMist, Synagis.
- Rare disease: Soliris, Ultomiris, and Kanuma.
Key facts about the AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca was established in 1999 via the Astra AB and Zeneca merger, is a major player in global pharmaceuticals. In 2024, the firm earned $54.1 billion, mostly from cancer treatments.
The firm invests heavily in research and development, spending $13.6 billion across 196 projects. Its R&D centres are located in Britain, Sweden, the US, and China.