Unilever signals pursuit of GSK consumer arm post USD 68.4 billion offer rejection

GSK confirmed over the weekend that it had rejected the Dove soap maker's bid for its consumer healthcare business, which is home to brands such as Sensodyne toothpaste and Emergen-C vitamin supplement.

GSK shares jumped 5% in early trading.

"The acquisition would create scale and a growth platform for the combined portfolio in the U.S., China and India, with further opportunities in other emerging markets," Unilever said, pointing to synergies in the oral care and vitamin supplements business.

GSK said on Saturday Unilever's offer "fundamentally undervalued" the business, adding that it would stick to its plan of listing the business this year.

The GSK consumer business, in which U.S. drugs company Pfizer owns a 32% stake, has annual sales of almost 10 billion pounds.

Unilever held talks with banks about additional financing for a potential sweetened offer for, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. Unilever did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the talks.

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The Marmite maker, which is set to announce an initiative later this month to strengthen its business, said on Monday it was committed to "strict financial discipline" for any acquisitions.

Unilever also said any major acquisitions would be accompanied by the divestment of lower margin businesses or brands.