LLY Eli Lilly and Co

Novartis AG (NVS, NOVN.VX) may sell its vaccines unit separately, instead of a plan to sell the division in combination with its animal health unit, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The vaccines business could be valued at around $1 billion, one person told Bloomberg.

The Bloomberg story said Novartis is still in talks with Merck about a potential asset swap, although an agreement on valuation has been "difficult."

Full story at http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-04/novartis-said-to-draw-interest-for-vaccines-business.html

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