Vifor Pharma AG (SWX:VIFN) and CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) confirmed they were talking about a potential merger. Australian media reports have suggested a bid by biopharmaceutical giant CSL for Vifor could result in a AUD 10 billion ($7.14 billion) deal. "Vifor is in discussions with CSL about a possible transaction.

No decisions have been made yet and there is no time frame for this," Vifor said. "Until then, Vifor does not comment on these discussions," said the company which works on iron deficiency, nephrology and cardio-renal therapies. CSL, Australia's fourth-largest company, also confirmed on December 13, 2021 it was speaking to Vifor Pharma about a deal, as it looks to diversify beyond blood plasma products to generate growth.