Fröhliche Weihnachten!

AZ blames German pricing for up to 625 job cuts

AstraZeneca ($AZN) is joining the line-up of drugmakers cutting jobs in Germany. Like the others, AstraZeneca cites the usual economic reasons, but adds a political twist. Also to blame for up to 625 job cuts? "[M]assive state intervention in the pricing of innovative medicines," the company says.

The U.K.-based drugmaker says it's planning to shrink its payroll by 400 to 625 positions. But it wants to avoid outright layoffs, so, at a staff meeting today, it's offering voluntary severance and early retirements. The buyout offers follow a previous program announced in September, which 250 workers accepted, the statement says.

http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/az-blames-german-pricing-625-job-cuts/2012-12-05?