[a] other alkoxides [b] organometallics [c] primary amines [d] In summary, a convenient new approach to the synthesis of diverse substituted 2-(pyridyl)acetic acid derivatives is reported utilising Meldrum's acids as linchpin reagents, acting initially as nucleophiles to effect substitution at activated pyridine-N-oxides, and subsequently as electrophiles to trigger ring-opening and decarboxylation. Distinct from approaches that utilise halopyridine substrates, the process avoids the need for metal catalysts, pre-formed enolate equivalents (e.g. silyl ketene acetals) or strongly basic species, as well as obviating the need to handle potentially decarboxylation-sensitive pyridylacetic acids themselves. Additionally, the three-component nature of the process lends itself well to the ready generation of analogues through parallel synthesis protocols. The method therefore complements existing approaches to this class of biologically-relevant molecules and we hope will prove of use to the community.