Report: J&J pulls out of the race for Pfizer's consumer business

1/25/2018
Johnson & Johnson is officially out of the running for Pfizer's Consumer business, Reuters reported Thursday.

“While we would normally not comment on market speculation or rumors, in this instance we refute assertions that we are in negotiation for Pfizer’s consumer business,” J&J’s vice president of media relations Ernie Knewitz told Reuters.

That leaves GSK Consumer and RB in the running for the business. Pfizer is accepting bids on its business through Feb. 1 and is hoping to clear at least $20 billion in the sale, Reuters reported.

Drug Store News provided a look at who may or may not be interested in a Pfizer consumer business in Ocotober.

Pfizer fields several leading OTC brands across many of the more significant non-prescription categories. The company boasted almost $600 million in annual sales across U.S. total multi-outlets through its internal analgesic franchise (Advil and Advil PM) for the 52 weeks ended June 11, 2017, according to IRI. The proton pump inhibitor Nexium 24HR generated another $300 million and its vitamin lineup, featuring Centrum, pulled in more than $280 million.

According to Kline Group, based on 2016 sales Bayer holds an 8.2% market share of the overall OTC busines, with Johnson & Johnson following at 7.5% and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare at 6.5%. Pfizer stands at No. 4 on that list with a 6.2% market share, followed by Procter & Gamble (4.5%), Sanofi (4.4%), Reckitt Benckiser (4%), Prestige Brands (1.9%), Church & Dwight (1.2%) and Carlyle Group (1%).

The marketshare figures are attributable to Kline & Company’s latest "Nonprescription Drugs USA" study.

For the full Reuters story, click here.
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