The Canadian drug manufacturer Apotex commissions banks to prepare its IPO

Canadian generic drug maker Apotex Inc. is planning a potential initial public offering next year, according to people familiar with the matter.

RBC Capital Markets, Jefferies Financial Group and TD Securities are advisers on the deal, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing information that remains confidential. No decisions have been made on the exact timing or size and more banks could be added to the lineup later, it said.