AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN), the UK's largest listed company, is considering carving out its China business and listing it separately in Hong Kong, as a potential shield against escalating geopolitical tensions, according to the Financial Times.
The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant is among a rising number of multinational corporations mulling over such strategic restructuring in response to growing friction between China, the US, and its allies, the paper said.
This move could also offer an alternate source of capital and reduce the exposure of investors to China-related risks.
Furthermore, a domestic listing could potentially expedite the approval process for therapies developed in China.
AZ's shares fell back 97.66p to £116.90 in early trade.