Astra Merger

Speculation mounted on Friday that drugs major Astra could merge with one of its international rivals, but industry analysts suggested the Swedish-based firm may be better off expanding in other ways. Astra's share soared early Friday after Chief Executive Officer Hakan Mogren told two Swedish newspapers that a merger with another drugs group of comparable size was a strategic option for his company. But company spokesman Staffan Ternby told Reuters Astra was studying a number of industrial options. Mergers were not excluded but were not necessarily higher on the agenda.