The consumer goods giant Unilever said he approached Glaxosmithkline to buy the pharmaceutical group’s consumer goods arm, after a newspaper reported that a 50 billion pound ($68.4 billion) offer it made had been rejected.
Unilever, which has come under fire from some investors for the group’s poor share price performance, confirmed the approach on a possible takeover of the business.
“GSK Consumer Healthcare is a leader in the attractive consumer healthcare space and would be a strong strategic match as Unilever continues to reshape its portfolio,” he said. “There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached.”
GSK declined to comment on the outreach.
Earlier, Britain’s Sunday Times said Unilever’s bid for the business made late last year was around 50 billion pounds and had been rejected as too low by GSK and Pfizer, which owns a minority stake. in the division.
The approach from Unilever, which owns brands including Dove soap and Marmite, for Glaxo’s portfolio of household brands, including Panadol pain relievers and Sensodyne toothpaste, was understood to have been unsolicited.
Unilever’s offer did not include any acquisition premium or recognition of synergies, the paper said, adding it was not clear whether the group would make a higher offer. The company has come under pressure from investors after underperforming rivals such as Procter & Gamble.
Reference-www.eleconomista.com.mx