Actavis/Watson merger ‘will benefit UK pharmacists’

Actavis has assured UK pharmacists that the support they receive from the company will be strengthened following its recent acquisition by Watson Pharmaceuticals.

Generics director Michael Cann told Chemist and Druggist that the 3.45 billion pound deal will give British pharmacies access to a wider range of off-patent medicines on day one, or as early as possible.

The deal was completed last month, with the resulting merger creating the third-largest global generics company, offering a combined portfolio of around 900 products.

Mr Cann said the appointment of former Actavis chief executive Siggi Olafsson as president of Watson earlier this year means the new organisation has a strong insight into the UK market.

"We need the appropriate relationship with retail pharmacy and we need to have those relationships through our sales people in order to develop the services that they need to support their dispensing of medicines," he explained.

Watson will be adopting the global name Actavis following the merger, with a worldwide rebranding initiative set to commence next year.