GSK And Pfizer Start Consumer JV For Different Reasons, Aim For Similar Goals

Executive Summary

Big pharmas' agreement could put consumer health where Pfizer wants, entirely in its rear-view mirror, and points GSK toward what it wants, more research and development funding freed up for the pharmaceutical ingredient operations that are its chief revenue drivers. All-equity deal, giving GSK 68% control and expected to close in 2019 second half, also likely will boost investors' confidence in the firms as both have been dogged by pressure to sell, spin-off or otherwise divest their consumer businesses.