GSK to Shut Operations in Nigeria, Quit Stock Exchange

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A British pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) UK Group, intends to close its operations in Nigeria and then exit the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.

The firm operates in Nigeria under GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc, and it is listed on the local stock exchange.

Apparently, due to the harsh economic environment in Nigeria, the company wants to quit, but it will hand over its operations to a third party, according to a notice it filed to the NGX on Thursday.

GSK, in the disclosure obtained by Business Post, said its Nigerian subsidiary would no longer commercialise its prescription medicines and vaccines in Nigeria. Another organisation would now handle this under its “third-party direct distribution model.”

It noted that it would work out how to acquire the shares of GSK held by shareholders other than its core investor, GSK UK, with the intent of delisting from the bourse.

“In our published Q2 results, we disclosed that the GSK UK Group has informed GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria PLC of its strategic intent to cease commercialization of its prescription medicines and vaccines in Nigeria through the GSK local operating companies and transition to a third-party direct distribution model for its pharmaceutical products.

“The Haleon Group has also separately informed the Board of its intent to terminate its distribution agreement in the coming months and to appoint a third-party distributor in Nigeria for the supply of its consumer healthcare products.

“For the above reasons, and having, together with GSK UK, evaluated various other options, the Board of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc has concluded that there is no alternative but to cease operations.

“Today, we are briefing our employees whom we will treat fairly, respectfully and with care, meeting all applicable legal and consultation requirements.

“The Board is conscious that shareholders will have many questions; we have been working assiduously with our professional advisors to agree on the next steps, and we will be shortly submitting to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a draft Scheme of Arrangement which may if approved, see shareholders other than GSK UK, receive an accelerated cash distribution and return of capital.

“The Board acknowledges the support of the GSK Group in its intentions to make these possible, full details of which we hope to publish shortly. In the meantime, however, we cannot give you assurance of the final terms of any scheme or that any scheme will be approved by the SEC or by shareholders.

“Shareholders are advised to seek professional advice and continue to exercise caution when dealing in the company’s shares until a further announcement is made,” the notice read.