GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Share Price

GSK – GlaxoSmithKline Investor Summary

GlaxoSmithKline, or 'GSK', is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies researching medicines and vacines alike for the World Health Organization's three priority diseases: HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. With an estimated 7% of the world's pharmaceutical market under its wing, GSK remains one of the industry leaders globally but remains committed to the research and application of life changing and marketable drugs.

If investing in science seems a little confusing and unpredictable then perhaps some of GSK's over-the-counter and more recognisable products will help to convince; these include Gaviscon and Panadol, smoking control products such as Nicorette/Niquitin and nutritional healthcare drinks such as Lucozade, Ribena and Horlicks.

On 23rd January 2009, GSK announced that it had signed an agreement with UCB S.A to acquire its marketed product portfolio in certain parts of the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific, for a cash consideration of some £484 million. President of Emerging Markets at GSK, Abbas Hussain, said that "This acquisition will strengthen and expand GSK's product portfolio in these countries, helping us to meet the needs of patients, particularly in the areas of epilepsy and respiratory." Under the agreement, GSK acquires several leading pharmaceutical brands and investors will be interested to know that the commercial operations and product distribution rights included represent approximately 3-4% of UCB's 2008 expected revenue of at least £3.09 billion. At the time of Mr Hussain speaking, share prices for GSK were steady at 1,226.00p with a "strong buy" recommendation from brokers.