DUBLIN, Ireland—Actavis plc has changed its name to Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN) following its acquisition of Allergan in March 2015 and the approval of the name change by Actavis shareholders on June 5, 2015. The company began trading under the AGN symbol on Monday, June 15, 2015, after ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The combination of Allergan and Actavis created one of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies by revenue and a leader in the new Growth Pharma industry model.

“Today is an exciting day for Allergan and our 30,000 employees around the world who have helped us reach this special moment,” said Brent Saunders, CEO and president of Allergan. “By adopting the Allergan name, we are ensuring that our corporate identity reflects the transformation of our company within the pharmaceutical industry and our position as a dynamic new breed of company, a leader in Growth Pharma. Today, under one company name and identity, we set out on a new path forward, encouraging our employees across the globe to be bold in how we think and act, to engage and to move quickly to meet the needs of physicians, patients and customers.”

Allergan has initiated a rebranding campaign that will guide the transition of its facilities, operations and commercial presence around the world to the new company name. The company has also launched a new global web site and adopted a distinctive redesign of the company identity and logo.

Based on feedback received from customers, the company’s U.S. and Canadian generics business will continue to operate under the Actavis name to capitalize on its brand equity among customers.

Actavis, a generic and branded pharmaceutical supplier, announced on Nov. 17, 2014, its intent to acquire Allergan, which supplies ophthalmic pharmaceuticals for dry eye, glaucoma and other eye conditions. This followed a well-publicized but unsuccessful unsolicited acquisition attempt by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.

Actavis announced plans to change its name in February 2015, as reported by VMail.