Business

GSK-Novartis global deal not to impact India business: GSKCH

PNS

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare on Tuesday said the multi-billion dollar global deal between parent GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Swiss drug major Novartis won't affect its business in India.

The two companies agreed to form a joint venture by combining Novartis' over-the-counter division with GSK's consumer business to create a business with $10 billion in annual sales. GSK will hold a 63.5 per cent stake in the venture.

“This consumer healthcare joint venture will exclude GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare ltd India, where GSK plc will continue to hold directly its interests in the listed entity,” GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH) said in a filing to the BSE. As part of the three-way transaction announced today, the Swiss firm will buy GSK's cancer drugs portfolio for $ 16 billion and sell its vaccines business in return for $7.1 billion.