Some of the success came from a series of acquistions: Argentinian eye product maker Waicon in December 2011, opthamolagy laser maker Technolas Perfect Vision in November 2012, and ISTA Pharmaceuticals, a maker of eye drugs, in March 2012.

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Valeant said ISTA refused to enter into a confidentiality agreement when it first approached the company about an acquisition in October, and subsequently rejected a written proposal, so Valeant has decided to make an unsolicited offer to shareholders.

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