Allergan to Consolidate European Operations

Allergan Inc., the maker of Botox injections to smooth wrinkles, said it would consolidate its European research and development operations to save as much as $9 million a year.

Operations at the plants to be closed will be moved to Britain, Ireland and the U.S., Irvine-based Allergan said. The closings, which also affect some sales operations, will cost the company about $50 million to $60 million through the second quarter of 2006.

Shares of Allergan rose $1.24, or 1.6%, to $81.02 on the NYSE.