US drug services firm Aptuit Inc said on Friday it was not in talks to sell its holding in an Indian joint venture,denying a newspaper report a deal was in the offing. On Wednesday,the Business Standard had reported Swiss drugs industry supplier Lonza was in talks to buy more than 51 per cent stake in drug firm Aptuit Laurus in a deal valued at $77 million to $99 million. "These reports are based on rumors and there are no current discussions about a sale of these assets," Aptuit said in a statement. "We wish to reiterate our long-term commitment to the relationship with Aptuit Laurus that we established several years ago,as well as our overall commitment to the Indian market." Aptuit Laurus,based in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad,offers drug development and manufacturing services.
