In 2016, the revenue of Pfizer, a pharmaceutical giant, in their consumer healthcare sector crossed $3 billion, which prompted the decision makers to mull over separating the consumer healthcare business as a different entity, either through full or partial separating of the unit. The $3.4 billion revenue constitutes around 6% of the Pfizer’s total revenue.
The decision makers are of the opinion that the consumer healthcare section has the capability to be far more valuable outside the company. Presently, the company shares are at 1% high at $36.50 per share during the pre-market trading. ChapStick, Advil, and Robitussin are some of their popular product brands.
Presently, Pfizer has brought on board Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Centerview Partners LLC, and Guggenheim Securities LLC as financial advisers to review the proposal and suggest the future course of actions. Ian Read, the Chief Executive of Pfizer, said that the company is looking to “maximize value” for the vested shareholders through the deal. He said that the continued growth and subsequent results were “distinct enough” from their core business and it had the potential to be highly valued outside the company.
The decision about the consumer healthcare business would be made in 2018. Pfizer might choose to retain a division and offer a partial sale. The decision also depends on the US tax reforms. The current US President, Donald Trump, wants to modify the US tax code by reducing the corporate tax from 35% to 20% and include newer ways to tax overseas profits.
The pharmaceutical industry is bound to be impacted by these changes, hence, it is prudent for Pfizer to wait until the reforms take place and then move ahead with the decision for their consumer healthcare business. The business could be valued at $15+ billion. People who are familiar with the matter said that private equity firms, OTC treatment manufacturers and Nestle, the Swiss food giant, could be interested in the deal. Consumer health companies like Johnson &, Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, Proctor & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser, and Abbott are interested as well.
Currently, their revenues are 2% less than the previous year.
