TRENTON, N.J. — Pfizer and Botox maker Allergan are discussing a potential deal that could be the biggest of 2015, a year marked by a rapid-fire pace of megadeals, particularly in health care.
A merger could enable Viagra maker Pfizer, the world’s second-biggest drugmaker by revenue, to surpass Switzerland’s Novartis AG and regain the industry’s top spot.
It would also add Allergan’s brand-name medicines for eye conditions, infections and heart disease to Pfizer’s extensive portfolio of vaccines and drugs for cancer, pain, erectile dysfunction and other conditions.
Pfizer’s $49.6 billion in revenue last year dwarfs Allergan’s $4.6 billion.
In separate statements, both companies on Thursday said they were in “preliminary friendly discussions.” Allergan PLC said there’s no certainty that the talks with Pfizer Inc. will lead to a deal.
However, Allergan shares jumped 7.1 percent to $307.72 in afternoon trading. Pfizer shares dipped nearly 2 percent to $34.78.
The talks come amid the latest wave of health care consolidation, which includes brand-name and generic drugmakers as well as insurers, pharmacy chains and drug wholesalers — all groups trying to boost bargaining clout.
