GSK formally debuts Haleon consumer business

Haleon has announced that it is launching as an independent company 100% focused on consumer health, completing its demerger from GSK. The newly listed business is driven by its purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity, the company said in a statement.

Trading commenced on Monday on the London Stock Exchange, with Brian McNamara, CEO of Haleon, leading the opening ceremony to signal the start of trading. Trading on the New York Stock Exchange is set to follow with a similar market-opening event taking place on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Haleon's portfolio of brands includes Advil, Centrum, Sensodyne, Robitussin and Tums. The company noted that it will continue to develop category-leading brands that address real consumer health needs, while focusing on future innovation across its entire portfolio.

[Read more: GlaxoSmithKline to spin off Haleon consumer business in July]

"With an increased consumer focus on health and wellness, an aging global population, an emerging middle class in high-growth economies, growing self-care in the face of increased pressure on public healthcare systems, and sizeable unmet consumer needs, Haleon has launched at a time when the consumer healthcare market is set for expansion (expected to be at a rate of 3%-4% per annum over the medium-term). Haleon expects to deliver medium-term annual organic revenue growth of 4%-6%, the company said.

The company noted that despite huge improvements in medicine, data and technology, everyday health remains elusive for too many people. "Haleon aims to change this through a two-pronged approach. First, by working to remove barriers to better everyday health, and second, by aiming to empower 50 million people a year by 2025 to be more included in opportunities for better everyday health."

The company added that its competitive advantage lies in its ability to blend deep human understanding and trusted science in the products it creates. "Haleon is further distinguished by leading consumer healthcare-focused scientific capabilities, a well-developed organizational understanding of human health behaviors, strong capabilities in brand building, innovation and digital commerce, and a powerful route-to-market."

[Read more: GSK's proposed health spinoff to be named Haleon] 

“This is a significant milestone for Haleon. Guided by our clear purpose and with a world-class portfolio of brands that people know and trust, we stand ready to help address consumer needs and make everyday health more achievable, inclusive and sustainable,” said Brian McNamara, Haleon CEO.

“Consumer health has never been more important than it is today, and I am delighted that Haleon, as an independent company, is ready to pursue our ambitions. Today follows a huge amount of effort, planning and collaboration by our dedicated colleagues all around the world,” he said.

Lisa Paley, president, North America, of Haleon, said, “Health matters, and our dedication to consumers, customers and each other drives an unmatched understanding and empathy of what people truly need on their wellness journey. Our constant hunger, irresistible energy and humanity fuel our desire to go beyond the products we sell in the U.S. and Canada to offer new and valuable services and solutions that can and will have a positive impact on everyday health.”

[Read more: GSK obtains FDA nod for Priorix]

Haleon (pronounced "Hay-Lee-On") was unveiled as the name of the business in February 2022 and is inspired by the merging of the words "Hale," which is an old English word meaning “in good health’ and Leon, which is associated with the word "strength."

The company’s signature “For Health. With Humanity” brings to life the essence and purpose of Haleon and was developed by its own colleagues. The signature will appear with the logo when space allows as it underscores the purpose of Haleon, the company said.