Media Release
Issued 17 October 2014
Release No. 40
Statement of preliminary issues for GlaxoSmithKline’s application to acquire Novartis’ consumer healthcare business
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to a joint application for
GlaxoSmithKline to acquire Novartis’ consumer healthcare business.
The statement outlines the key competition issues that the Commission currently considers will be important in deciding
whether or not to grant clearance. The Commission invites submissions from parties who consider that they have
information relevant to the Commission’s consideration of this matter. Submissions can be sent to the
registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference GSK/Novartis in the subject line of your email or to PO Box 2351, Wellington
6140 by close of business Thursday 30 October 2014. You can find the Statement of Preliminary Issues and the public
version of the application on the Commission’s website:
Background
GSK is an international healthcare company active in over 150 countries worldwide. GSK’s principal areas of operation
are in the development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical, vaccine, and consumer healthcare products. In New
Zealand, GSK operates consumer healthcare and prescription pharmaceutical divisions.
Novartis is a global group of healthcare companies active in a range of areas including pharmaceuticals, eye care,
animal health, vaccines and consumer health. In New Zealand, Novartis has a marketing, sales and distribution operation
for its pharmaceutical and animal health products. Novartis’ consumer healthcare operation in New Zealand is operated
from Australia.
ENDS