GSK has decided to divest the previously identified non-core OTC brands in the United States and Canada to New York-based Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc., engaged in marketing, sale and distribution of brand name OTC healthcare products, for £426 million ($660 million) in cash.

According to a company release, the brands being divested include BC, Goody's, Beano, Ecotrin, Fiber Choice and Tagamet and generated sales of approximately £134 million in 2010 and £98 million in the first 9 months of 2011. It is expected the divestment will complete in H1 2012, subject to regulatory approvals.

The net cash proceeds from the transaction are expected to be approximately £242 million. These will be returned to shareholders during 2012.

The net profit on disposal of the assets (including all transaction costs) is estimated to be approximately £240 million (pre-tax), £145 million (post-tax). The pre-tax profit will be recorded in Other Operating Income following completion of the disposal.

Brands outside USA and Canada and global rights for alli

The process for divestment of the remaining brands continues. These assets generated sales of approximately £400 million in 2010 and £262 million in the first nine months of 2011. The company also plans to return any net proceeds from the sale of these brands to shareholders.

GSK's chief financial officer, Simon Dingemans said: "The disposal of our non-core consumer brands is about realising attractive value for shareholders as well as simplifying our ongoing Consumer business and allowing it to focus on its priority brands and markets. I am pleased that we have achieved such a good result for our US and Canadian assets, especially in such difficult market conditions. Active discussions continue with other potential buyers for the remaining assets."