GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has reached an agreement to acquire Novartis’ consumer healthcare joint venture for $13 billion. The acquisition will enable GSK’s shareholders to capture the full value of GSK’s Consumer Healthcare growth and is well positioned to deliver sales growth, operating margin improvements and attractive returns.
Upon terms of the agreement, India remains a priority market for GSK investment and growth. The Consumer Healthcare business will continue to invest in growth opportunities for its OTC and Oral Health brands, such as Sensodyne and Eno. The Group is also actively investing in its Pharmaceutical and Vaccines businesses, including building new manufacturing capacity in Vemgal, Karnataka and Nashik.
“The proposed transaction addresses one of our key capital allocation priorities and will allow GSK shareholders to capture the full value of one of the world’s leading Consumer Healthcare businesses. For the Group, the transaction is expected to benefit adjusted earnings and cash flows, helping us accelerate efforts to improve performance. Most importantly it also removes uncertainty and allows us to plan use of our capital for other priorities, especially pharmaceuticals R&D,” said Emma Walmsley, CEO of GSK.
Last year, GSK’s Consumer Healthcare business reported sales of $10.9B and since 2015 sales have grown 4% on a 3 year CAGR basis (2015-2017 at 2014 CER) with an overall improvement in operating margins from 11.3% in 2015 to 17.7% in 2017.
