Actelion, Johnson & Johnson in exclusive talks

Swiss biotech group Actelion has entered into exclusive negotiations with Johnson & Johnson regarding a possible strategic transaction.

The companies said there can be no assurance a deal will be made and both said they do not intend to make any additional comments about the discussions unless and until it is appropriate or a formal agreement has been reached.

Last Tuesday, Johnson & Johnson announced that it had ditched discussions with Actelion because it was not able to reach an agreement that it believed could create adequate value for its shareholders.

On Wednesday, Actelion shares rose following a Reuters report that talks with France’s Sanofi were making progress.

At 0818 GMT, Actelion shares were up 7% to CHF230.