Reckitt completes pharmaceutical demerger

Reckitt Benckiser, the owner of household brands such as Cillit Bang, Vanish and Nurofen, has completed the demerger of its pharmaceutical unit.

Shareholders agreed the move earlier in December. The new division, Indivior PLC, has been listed as a separate company on the London Stock Exchange.
Reckitt chief executive, Rakesh Kapoor, wished the Indivior PLC well, saying the separation would enable both businesses to “focus on their core competencies”.
“Reckitt will continue to pursue its strategy of being a global leader in the health, hygiene and home categories,” commented Mr Kapoor.
The demerger has triggered a drop in Reckitt shares, down 60p to £52.50. Indivior PLC currently resides at 145p.
Reckitt Benckiser launched the strategic review of its pharmaceutical business back in October 2013. A large portion of its drug sales derive from Suboxone – a product used to treat dependence on heroin and other opiates.
Reckitt Benckiser said the review left little doubt that “the demerger is in the best interests of RB shareholders”.

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Phill Allen

Managing Director

An in and outside the (bioprocess) box thinker, fluid management specialist Phill knows a thing or two about keeping pharma liquid logistics flowing.

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