Pfizer one step closer to completing King acquisition

NEW YORK — Pfizer has cleared one of the main legal hurdles in its effort to purchase drug maker King Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer said Friday.

Pfizer, the world’s largest drug company, said the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 had been terminated, one of the conditions necessary for the completion of Pfizer’s tender offer for King.

Pfizer announced plans in October to purchase Bristol, Tenn.-based King for $3.6 billion, or $14.25 per share.