GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s consumer unit is drawing interest from private equity firms in what could lead to the biggest buyout of all time, people with knowledge of the matter said.
The drugmaker’s advisers are informally fielding interest in the operations alongside preparations for a listing, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Advent International, CVC Capital Partners and KKR & Co. are among potential suitors evaluating the business, they said.
Blackstone Inc., Carlyle Group Inc. and Permira are also seen as likely suitors for the consumer arm, which could be valued at 40 billion pounds ($54 billion) or more in any deal, the people said. The unit, with brands including Panadol painkillers, Tums antacids and Centrum vitamins, could also attract some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical and consumer-goods companies.
Read more/Source: Yahoo Finance
