GlaxoSmithKline sells Romanian drug distributor

GSK Romania, part of the British pharma group GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has sold the drug distributor Europharm Holding to the consumer distribution company Interbrands Marketing & Distribution. The deal was signed on October 13. GSK and Interbrands still need the Romanian Competition Council’s approval to finish this deal. GSK Romania will thus align to the parent company’s global strategy, which is to focus on its main activity of developing and launching new drugs. However, GSK has decided to close its drug factory in Romania, Europharm Brasov, after failing to find a buyer for it. GSK will only continue its business in Romania as a drug importer. Interbrands Marketing & Distribution is the biggest FMCG distributor in Romania. The company has been looking for an opportunity to expand into the lucrative pharma distribution sector, according to its representatives. Interbrands is part of Sarkis Group, owned by Lebanese investors. editor@romania-insider.com