The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application for GlaxoSmithKline to acquire Novartis’ consumer healthcare business.

The statement outlines the key competition issues that the Commission currently considers will be important in deciding whether or not to grant clearance.

The Commission invites submissions from parties who consider that they have information relevant to the Commission’s consideration of this matter. Submissions can be sent to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference GSK/Novartis in the subject line of your email, or to PO Box 2351, Wellington 6140 by close of business Thursday 30 October 2014.

You can find the Statement of Preliminary Issues and the public version of the application on the Clearances Register.

Background

GSK is an international healthcare company active in over 150 countries worldwide. GSK’s principal areas of operation are in the development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical, vaccine, and consumer healthcare products. In New Zealand, GSK operates consumer healthcare and prescription pharmaceutical divisions.

Novartis is a global group of healthcare companies active in a range of areas including pharmaceuticals, eye care, animal health, vaccines and consumer health. In New Zealand, Novartis has a marketing, sales and distribution operation for its pharmaceutical and animal health products. Novartis’ consumer healthcare operation in New Zealand is operated from Australia.

Note:

This was originally released with an error. It is not a joint application.