Illumina ordered to divest GRAIL unit in EU
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The European Commission on Thursday required U.S. life sciences company Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) to divest its cancer test developer GRAIL as a penalty for acquiring it in 2021 despite regulatory scrutiny.
Announcing its decision, the regional body said Illumina (ILMN) could pursue a suitable divestment method, such as a sale or a spinoff, provided they meet the principles the commission has laid down.

Failure to do so will result in a fine of up to 10% of the company's annual worldwide turnover. ILMN is required to submit its plan for divestment for EC's approval.
"Restoring GRAIL's independence will remove the harm to competition resulting from Illumina's ability and incentive to delay or disadvantage GRAIL's rivals," the European Commission said.
In September 2022, the regulator prohibited the acquisition over anti-trust concerns, and in July, it imposed a $475M fine on Illumina (ILMN) for completing the transaction without obtaining regulatory clearance.



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