UPDATE 2-Hikma could sign JV in 3 months, sees sales pick up

* Is in talks with about three 'top 10' pharma firms over JV

* May also sign $50 mln-$300 mln acquisition in four months

* Sales pick up after slow Q3

* Shares broadly flat, off lows

(Recasts, adds company comments, share price)

By Ben Deighton

LONDON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Middle East and North Africa-focused drug firm Hikma (HIK.L) said it could sign a joint venture with a top pharmaceutical company within three months, and added sales had improved after a slow third quarter.

"It will be specific for specific countries where we feel we could benefit each other... for example we are looking at maybe joint venturing in Iraq," Chief Executive Said Darwazah told Reuters on Thursday.

He said that the Jordan-based company was in talks with about three of the world's top ten pharmaceutical companies, and the deals they are discussing include joint ventures as well as licensing agreements.