FTC Seeks More Data on Planned Drug Merger

Federal antitrust regulators have asked for more information on the planned $2.3-billion merger of rival drug distributors Bergen Brunswig Corp. and AmeriSource Health Corp., the companies said Monday.

The Federal Trade Commission’s request extends the waiting period for reviewing the transaction. The original waiting period expired Monday, said Sue Zwierzynski, a spokeswoman for Bergen Brunswig in Orange.

The combination of AmeriSource, the fourth-largest U.S. drug wholesaler, with Bergen, the third-largest, would create the biggest U.S. wholesaler.

The announcement came after the close of regular U.S. trading hours. Bergen Brunswig shares fell 55 cents to close at $18.25. AmeriSource’s shares closed at $52.15, down $1.02. Both trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

Analysts expected the merger to attract scrutiny from antitrust regulators, which in 1998 blocked Cardinal Health Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Bergen Brunswig and plans by longtime industry leader McKesson HBOC Inc. to buy AmeriSource, which is based in Valley Forge, Pa.

The FTC has 30 days to review documents after they have been filed, said AmeriSource spokesman Michael Kilpatric.