Salix purchase of Santarus completed

RALEIGH, N.C. — Salix Pharmaceuticals has completed its $2.6 billion acquisition of Santarus, Salix said.

The drug maker announced that it had completed the $32-per-share acquisition of Santarus, which the companies announced in November. The combination of the companies' product portfolios includes 22 marketed products, such as Xifaxan, Glumetza, Zegerid, Relistor and others.

"The acquisition of Santarus is a transformational event for Salix and an important milestone in our growth as the leading gastroenterology-focused specialty pharmaceutical company in the United States," Salix president and CEO Carolyn Logan said. "The creation of a larger, stronger Salix reinforces our premier position in gastroenterology and creates the opportunity for us to expand our digestive disease expertise into other key specialties."