Barr ups the ante for Pliva

Woodcliff Lake, N.J.-based Barr Pharmaceuticals raised its bid for Pliva to $2.5 billion. Barr's chief rival in the Pliva acquisition is Iceland-based Actavis, which offered $1.85 billion for Pliva, based in Croatia. If Pliva accepts Barr's offer, Barr would become the world's third-largest generic drug manufacturer behind second-place Novartis and No. 1 Teva.

Woodcliff Lake, N.J.-based Barr Pharmaceuticals raised its bid for Pliva to $2.5 billion. Barr's chief rival in the Pliva acquisition is Iceland-based Actavis, which offered $1.85 billion for Pliva, based in Croatia. If Pliva accepts Barr's offer, Barr would become the world's third-largest generic drug manufacturer behind second-place Novartis and No. 1 Teva. Meanwhile, the FDA sent a warning letter to Actavis executives after inspectors found deficiencies in the company's New Jersey manufacturing plant. Actavis said that it has taken actions in response to the warning.

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