GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) and Stiefel Laboratories Inc announced that they have signed an agreement to create a new world-leading specialist dermatology business.

Under the terms of the agreement GSK will acquire the total share capital of Stiefel for a cash consideration of $2.9 billion. GSK also expects to assume $0.4 billion of net debt upon closing. A potential further $0.3 billion cash payment is contingent on future performance. GSK's existing prescription dermatological products will be combined with Stiefel's and the new specialist global business will operate under the Stiefel identity within the GSK Group.

Andrew Witty, chief executive officer of GSK said, "As part of our strategy to grow and diversify GSK's business, we are continuing to make new investments through targeted acquisitions. This transaction will create a new world-leading, specialist dermatology business and re-energise our existing dermatology products. The addition of Stiefel's broad portfolio will provide immediate new revenue flows to GSK with significant opportunities to enhance growth through leveraging our existing global commercial infrastructure and manufacturing capability. We look forward to working with Stiefel to develop this exciting opportunity."

Charles W. Stiefel, chairman and chief executive officer of Stiefel, said, "The combination of Stiefel and GSK will create a leading company in global dermatology with a strong presence in the prescription, consumer and aesthetic skin health markets. Along with adding hundreds of marketed dermatology products, this deal will increase the value of Stiefel's unparalleled dermatology pipeline by expanding the customer base to which we will be able to offer these products. It also gives GSK access to one of Stiefel's greatest assets - its valued relationships and shared understanding with dermatologists around the world."

The new business will have a broad portfolio of dermatology products including Stiefel's leading brands: Duac, for acne, Olux E for dermatitis and Soriatane for the treatment of severe psoriasis. GSK's key dermatology brands include: Bactroban, Cutivate and recently launched Altabax.

Combined pro forma revenues for the calendar year ended 2008 were approximately $1.5 billion, representing an 8 per cent share of the global prescription dermatology market. Sales of Stiefel's products for the calendar year ended 2008 were approximately $900 million. Sales of GSK's prescription dermatology products were approximately $550 million.

The new business will have a robust development pipeline, with Stiefel currently having more than 15 projects in late-stage development across a wide variety of dermatological conditions, such as acne, dermatoses and fungal infection. The new business also has access to significant innovative and proprietary formulation technologies.

Charles Stiefel will continue in the role of CEO and chairman of the board of Stiefel until closure of the transaction and he will lead the new business thereafter.

The formation of the new business will provide significant opportunities for both sales and cost synergies. Stiefel's products will benefit from GSK's global distribution and commercial organisations, particularly in markets such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and Japan. GSK's products will benefit from Stiefel's specialty sales force, relationships and experienced management in dermatology.

Cost synergies for the new business are expected primarily from combining manufacturing and administrative functions. The companies expect to deliver annual pre-tax cost savings of up to $240 million by 2012 with integration costs of approximately $325 million over the next three years. These integration costs will be reported within the middle column of GSK's income statement together with other ongoing major restructuring costs. Excluding integration costs, the transaction is expected to result in minor earnings per share (EPS) dilution for GSK in 2009 (less than 1%) and to be 1-2 per cent accretive to EPS in 2010.

The transaction has been approved by the Stiefel stockholders. Closing of the transaction is conditional upon certain matters including receiving certain regulatory clearances and no material adverse change occurring in respect of Stiefel's business prior to closing. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2009.

Stiefel Labs is enthusiastically committed to advancing dermatology and skin science around the world. The company's deeply-rooted dedication and drive for innovation along with its sole focus on dermatology has led Stiefel to become the largest independent dermatology company in the world.