GlaxoSmithKline completes thrombosis drugs transfer to Aspen

GlaxoSmithKline has announced it has completed the transfer of its thrombosis brands Arixtra and Fraxiparine to Aspen. 

The transaction, which was originally agreed in June 2013, has now been granted regulatory approval and so was finalised yesterday (January 2nd).

In order to secure the drugs – which are also known under the respective scientific names fondaparinux and nadroparin – Aspen has paid $700 million (425.75 million pounds).

The deal also includes the transfer of the manufacturing site at Notre-Dame de Bondeville and the majority of those employed there. Ownership of the plant will transfer in mid-2014.

In recent months, GlaxoSmithKline has strengthened its strategy of divesting its non-core products and earlier this week also completed the sale of its drinks brands Lucozade and Ribena to Suntory Beverage and Food for £1.35 billion. 

Aspen group chief executive Stephen Saad said the deal provides the company with "excellent synergistic opportunities" as it looks to expand its global operations.