Actavis Acquires Allergan. Valeant Picks Up Nicox’s U.S. Ophthalmic Diagnostics Sub

“After seven months of bids, bluster and lawsuits, the hedge fund manager William A. Ackman and Valeant Pharmaceuticals appear to be giving up their pursuit of Allergan, the maker of Botox, as another big drug maker has trumped their hostile bid,” reports the New York Times. “Allergan agreed on Monday to be acquired for $66 billion by Actavis in a deal worth $219 a share in cash and stock…Combining Actavis and Allergan will create one of the 10 largest global drug makers, with about $23 billion in revenue expected next year. Cost savings could total $1.8 billion annually, the companies said. The deal will combine Allergan’s blockbuster product, Botox, with a suite of Actavis drugs in areas like women’s health and dermatology.” Read more.

Flush with cash from the Actavis deal, Valeant picks up Nicox Inc.’s U.S. ophthalmic diagnostics subsidiary for as much as $20 million, reports Reuters. Read more.

Valeant Looking for Contact Lens Company—Maybe

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. remains “on the hunt for other companies, including makers of innovative contact lenses, as it presses on with efforts to take over Botox-maker Allergan Inc (AGN.N),” according to a Reuters report. “On a conference call with investors, Valeant Chief Executive Officer Michael Pearson said the company will not be content to remain the No. 4 global player in the contact lens industry.” Read more.

Hendricks and Allergan Raising Money for Make-A-Wish

Hendricks of Mad Men fame.

Emmy-nominated actress Christina Hendricks and Allergan, Inc., are asking$500,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through the Latisse Wishes Challenge. Since its launch in June, participants have raised more than $390,000, but $110,000 is still needed. With just weeks until the campaign's close, Hendricks is urging women to help by donating a minimum of $20 on www.LatisseWishesChallenge.com by November 30. The first 10,000 participants making the minimum $20 women to help with a final push to raise donation will receive a free trial certificate for a one month's supply of Latisse--an FDA-approved prescription treatment for longer eyelashes.