Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves both GSK’s acquisition of Novartis’ vaccines business and a consumer healthcare joint venture between GSK and Novartis, subject to conditions

The European Commission cleared under the EU Merger Regulation both the proposed acquisition of the vaccines business of Novartis' by GlaxoSmithKline ("GSK"), as well as the proposed creation of a new entity combining the consumer health activities of GSK and Novartis. The decision was conditional upon the divestiture of assets in the vaccines and consumer health businesses. The Commission had had concerns that the transaction would have eliminated an important competitor to GSK for the supply of several vaccines and consumer health products, which might lead to price increases for European consumers. The commitments addressed these concerns.

ESO: Background information: Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of GSK's oncology business by Novartis, subject to conditions http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-mergers-commission-approves-acquisition-of-gsks-oncology-business-by-novartis-subject-to-conditions/

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