World Pharma News - AstraZeneca to divest Nordic over-the-counter portfolio

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AstraZeneca to divest Nordic over-the-counter portfolio

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AstraZeneca to divest Nordic over-the-counter portfolio

Saturday, 22 November 2008

AstraZeneca has announced the divestment to GlaxoSmithKline of a portfolio of over-the-counter (OTC) products predominantly sold in Sweden. The decision reinforces AstraZeneca's strategy to focus on innovation in prescription medicines.

Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will receive $253 million (SEK 1770 million) for the OTC brands, which include analgesics Alvedon and Reliv, Nezeril/Nasin for decongestion, Minifom for gastrointestinal disorder and Duroferon for treatment of iron deficiency. Sales for the OTC portfolio were approximately $48 million (SEK 335 million) in 2007, with the majority of sales concentrated in Sweden.

The transaction is conditional upon the Swedish Competition Authority's approval, which is not anticipated to be received until the first quarter of 2009.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in research, development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and supplier for healthcare services. AstraZeneca is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of US $29.55 billion and is a leader in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection product sales. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index. For more Information visit www.astrazeneca.com.

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