Allergan is not in active talks to acquire Salix Pharmaceuticals, people with knowledge of the matter said, though the drugmakers have discussed a deal.

Allergan chief executive David Pyott said he probably won’t follow other drugmakers in making an acquisition in Ireland as a way to lower the company’s corporate taxes.

Shares in Allergan climbed the most in three years after second-quarter earnings beat analyst estimates and the company raised the lower end of its full-year forecast.

ENTERPRISE Minister Micheál Martin stressed the Government’s commitment to develop Westport yesterday after news that the Mayo town is to lose hundreds of jobs.