Novartis says has no intention of buying Actavis

Novartis has no plans to bid for US-based generic drugmaker Actavis, which is the subject of intense takeover speculation, a spokesman for the Swiss drugmaker said on Thursday. "We have no intention to pursue them," spokesman Eric Althoff said in response to inquiries.

The Wall Street Journal earlier reported Novartis was considering whether to enter the fray, after Actavis rebuffed separate takeover offers from Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc and Mylan Inc.