GlaxoSmithKline rumoured to buy AstraZeneca

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is under the spotlight as a possible company to buy AstraZeneca, it has been reported.

The former had declared it was not interested in combining with the latter or any other firm, according to the Times.

A spokesperson told the newspaper: “We see a huge deal as a risk that could cause us to take our eye off core strategy for two or three years while it bedded in – not a luxury we can afford.”

However, the newspaper noted many investors believed that Merck’s acquisition of Schering-Plough would lead to a similar deal with the two businesses in question.

As a result of this speculation, GSK’s shares fell after Schering-Plough’s takeover earlier on in the week, the publication observed.

Should the company acquire AstraZeneca, it would create the second-largest pharmaceuticals group, it concluded.

One of the GSK dental brands is Sensodyne. Within its range of products are a number of items such as toothbrushes, pastes, mouthwash and floss aimed at those who have sensitive teeth.