Irvine, Calif.-based Allergan has approached Raleigh, N.C.-based Salix Pharmaceuticals regarding a potential acquisition, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The reported discussions come at a time when Allergan is attempting to shake off a $53 billion acquisition bid from Quebec, Canada-based Valeant Pharmaceuticals, according to the report. Allergan believes the bid from Valeant is "underpriced and too risky," according to the report.
If Allergan and Salix were to merge, the newly joined market value could make it more difficult for Valeant to successfully acquire Allergan due to the increased value and complexity, according to the report.
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