GSK confirms closure of agreement to divest anaesthesia portfolio to Aspen

GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced the closure of an agreement with Aspen (JSE: APN) aligned with GSK's strategy of simplification through focusing on core therapeutic areas.

GSK has divested its anaesthesia portfolio to Aspen (excluding the US and Canada which had been previously divested) for £180m plus milestones of up to £100m.

Notes to editors:

• GSK's anaesthesia portfolio consists of Ultiva, Nimbex, Tracrium, Mivacron and Anectine.
• GSK 2016 full year sales of the anaesthesia portfolio were approximately £70 million.

GSK - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. 

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D 'Risk factors' in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2015.