ACT

Actavis Inc

A maker of generic pharmaceuticals, Actavis produces copies of widely used medicines at more affordable prices, with branded and generic tablets, capsules, and creams used by patients and pharmacies across the world. Originally founded as Watson Pharmaceuticals in California, it took on the Actavis name in 2013 after its owner bought Iceland's Actavis Group, wrapping the acquired brand into its own. A fun quirk: the same name traces back to a firm launched in Iceland in 1956, so "Actavis" carried over from the Nordic island rather than being invented fresh for the American company.