Jan 23 (Reuters) - Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd API.AX :
* AUSTRALIAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES SAYS SIGMA HEALTHCARE BID "IS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY TO DELIVER SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS TO CONSUMERS, SHAREHOLDERS"
* AUSTRALIAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES SAYS "CURRENT STATUS IS THAT WE ARE IN CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITH SIGMA ABOUT PROGRESSING OUR PROPOSAL"
* SEES "SIGNING A NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT SHORTLY THAT WILL THEN ALLOW A DUE DILIGENCE PROCESS TO COMMENCE" Source: Further company coverage: API.AX