Actavis

Actavis was a global pharmaceutical company that developed, manufactured, and marketed branded and generic medicines. The company was founded in Iceland in 1984 and grew significantly through a series of mergers and acquisitions. At its peak, Actavis operated in over 60 countries and offered a broad portfolio of products across various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal.

The company became particularly well-known for its generics business, providing affordable alternatives to branded drugs. Actavis also had a significant presence in branded pharmaceuticals, with a focus on specialty products. In 2015, Actavis was acquired by the American company Allergan for $66 billion, and subsequently the combined entity rebranded as Allergan plc. This acquisition marked a major consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry.

Prior to its acquisition, Actavis had already undergone several transformative mergers. Notably, in 2012, it merged with Watson Pharmaceuticals in a deal valued at approximately $5.6 billion, creating a larger entity that continued under the Actavis name. The company's strategic approach involved aggressive expansion and a focus on both high-volume generics and niche branded products. The legacy of Actavis continues within Allergan, contributing to its diverse pharmaceutical offerings.