NEW DELHI: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare on Thursday confirmed that “consideration is being given to a potential transaction” amid reports that Unilever has emerged as the top contender to acquire the nutrition business of UK-based GSK. Hindustan Unilever, the Indian arm of Unilever, confirmed that the company was in the race to buy GSK’s consumer healthcare nutrition products, including the popular drink Horlicks, but said it was bound by “confidentiality obligations” from disclosing details at this point of time.
GSK is considering to sell Horlicks and other nutrition brands as part of plans to fund the acquisition. “The company can confirm that consideration is being given to a potential transaction, which includes a merger of the company,” GSKCH said in a BSE filing. It, however, did not disclose details and the identity of potential buyer although reports suggested that Unilever has emerged as the top contender for the nutrition business of GlaxoSmithKline.
