Commenting on the agreement with the FTC Bureau, Sir David Barnes, Chief Executive of Zeneca, and Dr. Hakan Mogren, President and Chief Executive of Astra, said 'We are encouraged to have reached agreement as regards the terms of the Consent Decree with the FTC staff. With the earlier approval of the European Union regulatory authorities we are optimistic that we are now close to obtaining the required regulatory approvals to effect the Merger.'

Consistent with market practice and the need to keep the offers open until the FTC review is complete, the offers by Zeneca Group PLC for all the issued share capital of Astra AB have been extended from 3pm (Stockholm time) (9.00am New York time) on 18th March 1999 until 3pm (Stockholm time) (9.00am New York time) on Tuesday 30th March 1999.

Zeneca and Astra are optimistic that approval will be obtained from the FTC Commissioners within the extended offer period.

Due to the mechanics of the closing of the Merger in Sweden and the intervening holiday period, Astra and Zeneca anticipate that a further announcement regarding the level of acceptances of the Merger Offers will be made on or shortly after Tuesday 6th April 1999.

Dealings in the new AstraZeneca shares are expected to commence as soon as is practical following the declaration that the merger is wholly unconditional. Subject to confirmation from the FTSE Index Committee, it is anticipated that AstraZeneca will replace Zeneca in the FTSE 100 and All-Share indices within 24 hours of the start of dealings in AstraZeneca shares.

It is also expected that AstraZeneca shares will be included in the Affarsvarldens General Index and the OMX-index the day after the first day of dealings in AstraZeneca shares.