GlaxoSmithKline to Sell Lucozade and Ribena to Suntory $2.1B in Cash

GlaxoSmithKline GSK today announced it has reached agreement to sell its nutritional drinks brands Lucozade and Ribena to Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd (SBF), the Japanese consumer goods company, for £1.35 billion in cash. It is expected that the transaction will be completed by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals. GSK's Consumer Healthcare business has been increasing its focus around a core portfolio of healthcare brands, with a particular emphasis on emerging markets. As part of this, the company initiated a strategic review of Lucozade and Ribena in February 2013 and subsequently announced its decision to divest the brands, subject to the realisation of appropriate shareholder value.The net proceeds of the transaction after tax, fees and costs are estimated to be approximately £1.3 billion. The net profit will be excluded from core operating profit and EPS in 2013. The proceeds will be used to reduce debt and for general corporate purposes. Annual sales of the two brands were approximately £0.5 billion in 2012. The transaction is an asset deal that will be completed on a cash and debt free basis. SBF will acquire global rights to the brands and GSK's Coleford manufacturing site, which is located in the Forest of Dean in the UK. The vast majority of employees at the site and those working on Lucozade and Ribena in commercial and R&D functions will transfer to SBF under the provisions of English employment law. In Nigeria, GSK will continue to manufacture and distribute Lucozade and Ribena under licence from SBF.