NPS Pharma Seeks Buyer : Report

(RTTNews) - NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NPSP) is seeking a buyer, in a sales process that could draw rivals to the maker of treatments for rare diseases, the Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the matter.

The company's advisers at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. have begun contacting other companies to gauge their interest. The process is in the early stages, and it is possible no deal will result, the report said.

Irish drug company Shire Plc (SHP.L, SHPG) reportedly expressed interest in NPS in the past, and would be a prime candidate to potentially participate in the auction.

NPSP closed Monday's trading at $38.13, up $2.38 or 6.66% on the Nasdaq. The stock, further, gained $0.77 or 2.02% in after hours trade.