Financial Times: AstraZeneca is exploring a merger with U.S. peer Bristol Myers Squibb that would create one of the world’s largest drugmakers with a combined market value near $400 bln. The companies have held talks in recent months and could reach an agreement soon, but negotiations may also be delayed or collapse. AstraZeneca’s market cap is about £196 bln; Bristol Myers Squibb’s is about $133 bln. The transaction would further accelerate AstraZeneca’s strategic shift toward the U.S. market.