EU review of Syngenta transaction extended

EU REVIEW OF SYNGENTA TRANSACTION EXTENDED: COMPLETION IN SECOND HALF 2000 STILL ANTICIPATED AstraZeneca PLC today confirmed that the European Commission has initiated a Second Phase Investigation into the proposed spin off and merger of its agrochemicals business with Novartis' crop protection and seeds business. The fixed four month second phase review period will expire in August, 2000. The parties' expected completion of the transaction in the second half of 2000 remains unchanged. A second phase review was anticipated by the parties when the filing was made with the European Commission and is not unusual for a transaction of this scale. The parties continue to work closely with the Commission in their review. Further enquires to: Staffan Ternby, 08-553 261 07 Mikael Widell, +44 171 304 5030/ +44 7715 011140 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/03/21/20000321BIT00900/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/03/21/20000321BIT00900/bit0002.pdf