Troy's Brooke: Why the AstraZeneca deal will proceed

Troy Asset Management's Francis Brooke has said the proposed takeover of AstraZeneca will go ahead once Pfizer eases politicians' concerns on the future of the UK's research industry.

The manager of the £1.6bn Troy Trojan Income fund - which he runs alongside Hugo Ure - said in his latest update that despite fierce resistance to the multi-billion pound takeover from both Astra's board and the UK government, a deal will more than likely be done. "Consolidation will continue to be a feature of this industry and we would expect that once some firm reassurance is given, regarding commitment to UK research by the newly enlarged company, the transaction will proceed," he said. The deal has come under fire from politicians who question Pfizer's desire to maintain the comp...