Zeneca interest in Ohmeda as acquisition candidate derives from existing Asian relationship.

ZENECA INTEREST IN OHMEDA AS ACQUISITION CANDIDATE builds on a relationship between the firms in Asia, where Zeneca handles distribution for Ohmeda pharmaceutical products. A purchase also would enhance Zeneca's anesthesia offerings and create distribution synergies throughout the U.S. and Europe. Ohmeda handles its own distribution in the U.S.; Pharmacia & Upjohn handles distribution for Ohmeda in Europe. BOC announced in July its interest in selling off Ohmeda to focus on industrial gases ("The Pink Sheet" July 28, T&G-2).