CCI approves acquisition of GSK Asia by GSK Overseas Ltd

Before the proposed combination, GSKAPL will obtain the trademarks on ‘Iodex’ and ‘Ostocalcium’ brands in India.

The chief national competition regulator of India, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday has vouched for its approval of the acquisition of GlaxoSmithKline Asia Private Limited (GSKAPL) shareholding by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Overseas Limited and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare UK Trading Limited.

The Suggested Combination hinges on the collective acquisition of 100 per cent shares of the company. Before the proposed combination, GSKAPL will obtain the trademarks on ‘Iodex’ and ‘Ostocalcium’ brands in India along with the lawful, financial, commercial and marketing rights of such brands and other associated assets (GSK Consumer Brands) from GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, the CCI said in a statement.

Advertisement

CCI comprises a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government. The Commission must eradicate practices having damaging impacts on competition, encourage and maintain competition, safeguard the appeals of consumers and guarantee freedom of trade in the markets of India.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Overseas Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (No.2) Limited (“GSK CH HoldCo”). It is a part of the overall GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) group and its predominant action to be an investment holding company for GSK CH HoldCo and its associates.

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd is an Indian subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline plc, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceuticals and healthcare companies. It is one of the oldest pharmaceuticals companies in India. Its product portfolio includes prescription medicines and vaccines. Its prescription medicines range across therapeutic areas such as anti-infectives, dermatology, gynaecology, diabetes, oncology, cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases. It also offers a range of vaccines, for the prevention of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, invasive disease caused by H, influenza, chickenpox, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, rotavirus, cervical cancer and others.