Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Actavis Aim for $6 Billion Deal by End of April: Sources

Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc is on track to announce a deal to buy Actavis for around $6 billion by the end of April, creating one of the world's biggest producers of generic drugs, sources familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. While negotiations are complex, there are no major hurdles in sight that would stop the two sides from reaching agreement, two people briefed on the situation said. Reuters first reported on March 21 that Watson was close to buying Actavis, an unlisted Swiss-based firm, in a potential 5.0-5.5 billion euros ($6.5-7.2 billion) deal. Since then some sources have said the price may be nearer 4.5 billion euros.