P.M. BRIEFING : Allergan Target of Shareholder Suits

Allergan Inc. said today two shareholder complaints naming Allergan and SmithKline Beckman Corp. were filed in federal court in Philadelphia, where SmithKline has its corporate headquarters.

The complaints, which also name Gavin Herbert, chairman and chief executive officer of Allergan, which is based in Irvine, Calif., allege that the companies made false statements or omitted material facts about Allergan’s business and future prospects in connection with SmithKline’s recent spinoff of Allergan. The actions request certification as a class action on behalf of certain shareholders and seek unspecified damages.

Allergan said it was informed that more shareholder suits may be filed. The company said it denies the allegations and “will vigorously contest the actions.”