May 29 (Reuters) - Catalent ( CTLT ) said on Wednesday

its stockholders have voted to approve Novo Nordisk

parent's $16.5 billion bid to take over the contract

manufacturer.

In February, Novo Holdings had agreed to buy Catalent ( CTLT ), a key

manufacturing subcontractor of Wegovy, to boost the output amid

soaring demand for the blockbuster obesity drug.

Stockholders approved the deal with 99.2% of the ballots

cast in favor of the proposed deal, the company said.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, earlier this month,

sought more information on the deal, weeks after Novo's parent

had refiled an application seeking the antitrust agency's nod.

Catalent ( CTLT ) reiterated the deal is expected to close towards

the end of 2024.

After the deal closes, three of Catalent's ( CTLT ) fill-finish

sites would be sold to Novo Nordisk for $11 billion.

Novo Holdings is the investment arm of Novo Nordisk's

controlling shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation.