GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) announces that it has sold its entire holding of 30,755,151 shares of common stock in Quest Diagnostics Inc. (Quest).  The sale comprised a secondary public offering by GSK (the “Offering”) and an accompanying repurchase of shares by Quest (the “Repurchase”).  GSK originally acquired the shareholding as partial consideration for the sale of its clinical laboratories business in 1999 and has since gradually reduced its stake in stages.

The Offering and Repurchase are together expected to generate gross proceeds to GSK of approximately $1.7 billion.  Net of tax, GSK expects to receive cash proceeds of approximately $1.1 billion.

Commenting on the transaction, Julian Heslop, CFO of GSK said, "Whilst we have been pleased with our investment in Quest Diagnostics, we have been considering the sale of our remaining position in the company for some time. We have decided that now is a good time to take advantage of favourable market conditions, thereby releasing funds from one of our non-core assets.  This divestment demonstrates our focus on generating attractive returns for our shareholders and our ability to monetize significant gains when appropriate."

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC agreed to purchase from GSK the shares sold in the Offering.

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.