Reports: Three drug makers have sights on Pfizer's generics unit

NEW YORK — Three drug makers are looking into buying Pfizer's branded-generics drug business, according to published reports.

Reuters reported that Actavis, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International and Mylan had expressed interest in buying Pfizer's business segment focused on generic drugs. However, Reuters reported that Pfizer was not yet ready to make a deal and was in the process of a potential separation of the generics unit.

In July, Pfizer split its branded and generic drug businesses into three segments, including one "value" segment focused on generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars, with John Young as group president. Leadership appointments to the three segments became effective on Jan. 1 of this year.