Update: Actavis and Allergan leaders discuss merger deal

Actavis CEO Brent Saunders and Allergan CEO David Pyott discuss the recent acquisition deal between the two companies with industry media.

“The combined companies will have pro forma of revenue of about $23 billion dollars in 2015, and we’ll be a leader in categories like ophthalmology, medical aesthetics, neurology, gastrointestinal, and women’s health among other areas,” says Saunders. “We’re excited about creating one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic pharmaceutical companies in the world.”

Listen to the full interview with sister publication Ophthalmology Times.

When Actavis acquired Allergan for approximately $66 billion, Allergan avoided a hostile takeover from Valeant Pharmaceuticals.

“I decided it was far better to enter into a negotiation where we would look at selling for a fair value. It’s clear that Valeant’s goal was to steal this company at a ridiculously low price,” Pyott told Optometry Times.

When the pair spoke with us shortly after the deal in November, they both remained optimistic about the combined company’s future and its vision for eye care.

Check out our original story here.