GlaxoSmithKline PLC (LON:GSK) has confirmed press speculation that it is considering a merger of its consumer healthcare business.
The possible merger is part of a strategic review of GSK’s Indian Horlicks business and other consumer healthcare nutrition products.
READ: Unilever in exclusive talks to acquire GlaxoSmithKline's Indian Horlicks nutrition business - report
GSK did not provide any further details about the merger.
The statement came after India's CNBC TV18 reported earlier on Thursday that Unilever plc (LON:ULVR) may be looking to merge GSK Consumer Healthcare with its Indian unit HUL.
Unilever is understood to be a leading bidder in the race to buy the Indian Horlicks business, according to the Financial Times on Wednesday.
However, Indian newspaper Times of India reported that Swiss consumer products rival Nestlé SA is close to buying Horlicks and other Glaxo consumer healthcare assets.