LONDON (AP) -- Drug maker AstraZeneca PLC says it is reviewing "strategic options" for Astra Tech, its Swedish unit that makes dental implants and medical products.
AstraZeneca said Friday that it "continues to evaluate all alternatives for value maximisation from this business" and will only make a final decision on its future once the review has been completed.
Analysts believe London-based AstraZeneca is looking to offload Astra Tech for as much as $2 billion as it faces a decline in sales in its core business as it loses patent protection on key products.
The company's shares are down 0.3 percent at 3,053.5 pence ($49.06) on the London Stock Exchange.
Astra Tech has 2,200 employees worldwide and subsidiaries in 16 markets. It reported revenues of $506 million in 2009.
