ChemChina purchase of Syngenta signed off by US authorities: shares up 12 per cent this morning
The $43bn (£33bn) Chinese takeover of Syngenta came one step closer after US foreign investment authorities cleared the deal.
State-owned chemical company ChemChina is hoping to purchase the Swiss agri-business in what would be the largest foreign acquisition by a Chinese company.
Although the news marks the overcoming of a significant hurdle, the deal will next be further scrutinised by anti-trust and regulatory bodies.
Read more: Syngenta agrees to takeover by ChemChina worth over $43bn
Syngenta shares opened over 12 per cent higher in early trading having, ended trading on Friday at CHF 380.80, well below the proposed CHF 470 offer from ChemChina.
The takeover was subject to review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) in March 2016 following concerns from Senators there could be a threat to the US food supply.
Syngenta is the world's largest pesticides developer and has significant operations in the US. It has facilities in North Carolina, as well a presence in California, Delaware, Iowa and Minnesota.
A joint statement said the takeover was expected to complete by the end of the year.
Read more: Monsanto gives up £30bn chase
The announcement is likely to be closely monitored by rival Monsanto, which is in the process of being acquired by German chemicals giant Bayer. Syngenta itself previously turned down takeover approaches from Monsanto.