Johnson & Johnson approaches Actelion about takeover deal
By Paul Arnold and Ludwig Burger ZURICH/FRANKFURT (Reuters) – U.S. healthcare company Johnson & Johnson said on Friday it was in preliminary talks with Actelion about a potential takeover of Europe's largest biotech firm, currently valued at about $20 billion. Lung disease specialist Actelion confirmed it had been approached and said there was no certainty a deal would occur. An acquisition of the Swiss company would boosts J&J&039;s drug pipeline and diversify its prospects.
