West Yorkshire-based firm Thornton & Ross has expanded its consumer health business with a deal to acquire four skincare brands, as well as a paediatric cough remedy, from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
The brands being acquired from GSK are: Oilatum, an emollient brand currently focused in the paediatric market; heritage antiseptic brand Savlon; Eurax, a topical itch relief cream; Polytar, a coal-tar based dandruff shampoo; and Tixylix, a range of paediatric cough liquids.
Thornton & Ross stated that the deal (for an undisclosed sum) is due to be completed by August and is part of its strategy to grow within the grocery OTC sector.
The firm is currently achieving double-digit growth, with its brands such as Cetraben and Flexitol seeing strong sales. Furthermore, sales of its Zoflora disinfectant range are said to have increased “massively”, with the firm having to double its production to meet demand.
Roger Scarlett-Smith, Head and Executive VP of Thornton & Ross commented: “These acquisitions demonstrate our commitment to the grocery sector and our ambition to be the leading company in Consumer Health.
“Our expertise in skincare and cough remedies puts us in a strong position to support and grow these acquisitions. We are thrilled to be giving these great brands a new home and a bright future within our growing Consumer Health business.”
Thornton & Ross is one of the largest OTC product manufacturers in the UK and exports to over 80 countries worldwide. Its other brands include Covonia, Hedrin, Care, and Setlers. Since 2013, it has been part of the German-based STADA Group.
The move comes as GSK looks towards the US and China for future growth with it preparing to merge its consumer healthcare unit with that of rival Pfizer, to create a new market leader with annual sales of around £10bn.
