Boots names Japanese distributor for Clearasil

Boots Healthcare International appoints Chuo Bussan International as distributor for Clearasil in Japan effective Dec. 3, UK firm announces. Acquisition of Clearasil provides BHI with first access to Japanese and U.S. markets, Boots adds. BHI expects to expand Clearasil distribution in 130 countries where Boots products are available. Product line likely will be expanded in fiscal 2002 to address a greater range of skin conditions, such as psoriasis, firm says. Boots recently named Novartis as Clearasil distributor in the U.S. and Canada; Boots purchased the brand from Procter & Gamble for $340 mil. last year (1"The Rose Sheet" May 21, In Brief and2 "The Rose Sheet" Oct. 23, 2000, p. 3)...