The offer from the Unilever group is not in the best interests of the shareholders, GSK announced on Saturday. The division’s prospects were also underestimated.
GSK now wants to continue the already planned spin-off of the “Consumer Healthcare” division. The separation of the subsidiary from the classic pharmaceutical business with medicines and vaccines is planned for the middle of the year. The division has a large range of health products such as Dr. Best toothbrushes, Voltaren pain ointment and food supplements from the Centrum brand.
The British consumer goods group Unilever – known for brands such as Langnese, Knorr and Pfanni – announced on Saturday that the GSK subsidiary would fit in well with its own portfolio. Whether they agree, is uncertain. It is unclear whether Unilever could increase the offer. According to GSK, the group offered £41.7 billion in cash and £8.3 billion of its own shares, making the offer worth £50 billion.
The British newspaper “Sunday Times” first reported on the plans.
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LONDON (dpa-AFX)
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