Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Sale on the Fast Track?

Pfizer appears to be ramping up its plans to sell its Consumer Healthcarebusiness, home to several high-profile OTC products like Advil and Centrum as well as personal care staples like ChapStick and Anbesol.
 
According to several reports, the unit could fetch $15 billion or more with firms like GlaxoSmithKline, Reckitt Benckiser among the likely candidates. Also in the mix are Procter & Gamble, J&J and even Nestle, say some analysts.
 
The company announced earlier this month that it would be seeking a range of options for the unit, including a full or partial separation of the Consumer Healthcare business  through a spin-off, sale or other transaction, or may ultimately determine to retain the business. But Wall Street is buzzing with news that the sale could come as early as November.

Pfizer Consumer Healthcare is one of the largest OTC health care products businesses in the world with 2016 revenues of approximately $3.4 billion, operating in more than 90 countries globally. Consumer Healthcare markets two of the ten top selling consumer healthcare brands globally – Centrum and Advil. In addition, Pfizer says the business has ten brands that each exceeded $100 million in 2016 sales, and several local brands that are top-ranked in their respective markets.
 
“Pfizer Consumer Healthcare is a leading player in the largest OTC categories, with iconic brands, robust retail partnerships, global reach and strong fundamentals,” said Ian Read, Pfizer chairman and CEO. “Although there is a strong connection between Consumer Healthcare and elements of our core biopharmaceutical businesses, it is also distinct enough from our core business that there is potential for its value to be more fully realized outside the company. By exploring strategic options, we can evaluate how best to fuel the future success and expansion of Consumer Healthcare while simultaneously unlocking potential value for our shareholders.”
 
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare product lines also include Caltrate and Emergen-C supplements; Thermacare pain management; Nexium 24 Hour and Preparation H medications; and Robitussin and Advil Cold and Sinus treatments.
 
 “Consumers are taking more ownership of their health and wellness through OTC products, preventative treatments and alternative health paths,” said Albert Bourla, Group president, Pfizer Innovative Health. “Pfizer Consumer Healthcare is playing an important role in changing the world’s well-being. Our colleagues are passionate about empowering consumers around the world to improve their health and wellness through our trusted brands, innovation, and thought leadership.”