IMS Health’s $5bn takeover clears antitrust hurdles

IMS, a healthcare data supplier and the world’s third largest market research organisation by revenue, said it had received clearance from the European Commission to proceed with the deal.

“The EU clearance,” the company said, “is the final approval, consent or consultation required to consummate the merger under US and foreign antitrust laws.”

IMS still needs the backing of its shareholders before the deal can be completed. A meeting has been called for 8 February at which shareholders will vote on the takeover offer, which is worth $22 per share.

The company, headed by CEO David Carlucci, first announced the deal in November. IMS came close to being bought by VNU (now The Nielsen Company) in 2005 but the deal collapsed after VNU shareholders opposed it.