Valeant Pharma In Talks To Buy Salix Pharma: Report

(RTTNews) - Canadian drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc (VRX.TO, VRX) is in talks to acquire Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (SLXP), Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Valeant could also face rivals for Salix, which makes drugs to treat ulcerative colitis and travelers' diarrhea and is nearing approval for a potential irritable bowel syndrome treatment. Shire Plc (SHPG, SHP.L) is also interested in Salix and the company was targeted by other buyers last year.

SLXP closed Tuesday's regular trading at $140.47, up 6.82 or 5.10%. However, in after-hours, the share dropped $1.47 or 1.05%.

VRX closed regular trading at $159.71, down $2.27 or 1.40%.