Salix Pharmaceuticals ($SLXP) has taken a step toward a potential sale. Haunted by an inventory snafu and a C-suite shakeup, the company was already facing investor pressure to look for bidders once its supply issues were resolved. Now, Salix has tapped Crestview Partners to "explore options" as it hunts for a new CEO. No decision is expected until after that person comes on board, however. Report