Actavis, Warner Chilcott shareholders approve merger deal

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Shareholders of Actavis and Warner Chilcott have approved the merger of the two drug makers, the companies said Tuesday.

The deal, whereby U.S.-based Actavis will acquire Ireland-based Warner Chilcott, is expected to close later this year.

Actavis and Warner Chilcott announced the $8.5 billion deal in May. Last month, three independent proxy advisory firms recommended to shareholders that the deal go through, and most European regulators have approved it. Currently, it is still awaiting approval by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the Irish High Court.