CSL goes Christmas shopping

Speculation is rife that CSL is in talks to buy Swiss pharma Vifor, in a deal worth more than $10 billion.

CSL is already part way through due diligence, and "has a big team working on the case", according to the Australian Financial Review (AFR).Vifor's shares jumped over 20 per cent to 125 Swiss francs on the reports.

A statement was released by CSL saying it "regularly assesses strategic opportunities (but) otherwise does not intend to comment on such matters". It will keep the market informed in accordance with continuous disclosure obligations.