Novartis And GlaxoSmithKline In Multi-Billion Dollar Deals

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) (VTX:NOVN) will acquire GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (NYSE:GSK) (LON:GSK)’s oncology unit for around $14.5 billion, while Glaxo will pay $5.25 billion for Novartis’ vaccines business. The deal comes on the heels of Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl Inc (NYSE:VRX) revealing plans to acquire the wrinkle treatment maker Allergan Inc. Deal to enhance firms’ core focus While unveiling its fourth quarter earnings in February, GlaxoSmithKline plc (ADR) (NYSE:GSK) (LON:GSK) said its Respiratory, Vaccines and HIV divisions were strengthened by new product launches. It disclosed expanding its respiratory portfolio even further with two major approvals, while reporting over 1,700 prescriptions for its HIV drug…