J&J Proposes Actelion Takeover Worth Billions

Actelion shares closed up 17 percent in Zurich Friday, its largest one-day gain since April 2000

Nov. 26, 2016

Johnson & Johnson says it is in negotiations with Actelion Ltd. about a possible takeover of the $19.9 billion Swiss biotech company.

Actelion and J&J confirmed the talks in separate statements Friday, saying there was no guarantee a deal will happen. Actelion is working with an adviser to discuss options, according to a Bloomberg article, and the deliberations are still at an early stage following Johnson & Johnson’s initial offer, according to sources close to the matter.

The company may also attract other suitors, such as Novartis AG and Sanofi, other sources said.

Read the Bloomberg story