NYT: Pfizer testifies before British Parliament on AstraZeneca deal

LONDON — Pfizer testified before British Parliament Tuesday regarding its proposed offer to acquire AstraZeneca, the New York Times reported. According to the report, British lawmakers challenged Ian Read, Pfizer CEO, on the company's commitment to keep jobs in the United Kingdom.

In response, Pfizer committed to keep at least 20% of its combined research-and-development teams in Britain and would follow through on completing a center in Cambridge, England that AstraZeneca has started. Beyond that, Pfizer could make no guarantees, Read said. 

The report also suggested Pfizer may be willing to raise the stakes with a higher offer in its proposed acquisition of AstraZeneca, asking AstraZeneca executives to help draft an acceptable deal.