In a move designed to increase its international presence, Watson Pharmaceuticals has agreed to acquire Actavis for EUR 4.25 billion ($5.6 billion). With the acquisition, Watson will become the third largest global generic-drug company with 2012 anticipated pro forma revenues of approximately $8 billion. Once the transaction is completed, approximately 40% of Watson’s generic-drug revenues will come from markets outside of the United States.
Actavis has a commercial presence in more than 40 countries, markets more than 1000 products globally, has approximately 300 projects in its development pipeline, and manufactured more than 22 billion pharmaceutical doses in 2011, according to an Apr. 25, 2012, Watson press release. The company has more than 10,000 employees worldwide and had 2011 revenues of approximately $2.5 billion.