27 Mar 2018 --- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has reached an agreement with Novartis for the acquisition of Novartis’ 36.5 percent stake in its Consumer Healthcare Joint Venture for US$13 billion, just days after GSK exited the race to buy Pfizer's Consumer Healthcare Business. GSK reports that the Consumer Healthcare Business is well positioned to drive sales and earnings growth, powered by “category-leading Power Brands, science-based innovation and improved efficiencies.” Novartis reports that the sale will enable it to further focus on the development and growth of its core businesses.