BRIEFLY : Pfizer confirmed it is conducting talks with Searle.

A spokesman for New York-based Pfizer Inc. told Reuters that “we, along with other companies, expressed an interest in some of the parts of Searle, including aspartame.” But, he added, “whether the discussions (with Searle) will lead to a transaction is not known.” Chicago-based G. D. Searle & Co. had previously said it planned to explore the possible sale of its businesses, but it had no comment on the Pfizer statement.