SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims That the Merger May Not Be in the Best Interest of Investors of Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - ASTX

NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom & Gross LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Astex" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ASTX) (ISIN: US04624B1035) (CUSIP: 04624B103) concerning the proposed acquisition of Astex by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. in a transaction valued at approximately $866 million in cash.

The investigation concerns whether the Astex directors are breaching their fiduciary duties by failing to adequately shop the Company and maximize shareholder value.  Under the terms of the agreement, Astex shareholders will receive $8.50 per share in cash for each share of Astex common stock.  However, at least one analyst set a target price of $13.00 per share for Astex common stock.

Astex shareholders seeking more information about this acquisition are advised to contact Robert Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 212-661-1100 or 888-476-6529, ext. 237.

The firm is also investigating actions on behalf of shareholders for the following companies:  Hilltop Community Bancorp, Inc., Dole Food Company, Inc., and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and San Diego, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 75 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of defrauded investors. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:
Robert Willoughby
Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom & Gross LLP
212-661-1100 ext. 237
rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

SOURCE Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom & Gross LLP