GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) entered into a strategic alliance with Dong-A Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Dong-A), the number one pharmaceutical and OTC Company in South Korea. As part of the transaction, GSK will acquire a 9.9 percent minority equity shareholding in Dong-A for £73.9m (KRW 142.9bn).

Dong-A has a portfolio of proprietary and generic pharmaceutical products and leading consumer healthcare brands. Last year, Dong-A reported total sales of £414 million (KRW 801 bn).

The alliance will initially co-promote selected GSK and Dong-A pharmaceutical products for use in primary care. Additional synergies will be explored to strengthen both companies' commercial positions within the Korean pharmaceutical market.

Under the terms of the agreement the companies will share profits generated from the co-promoted products above pre-agreed baselines. A new business unit will be created within Dong-A to manage the collaboration.

Christophe Weber, Senior Vice President & Regional Director of Asia Pacific, GlaxoSmithKline said: "With Dong-A's market-leading position and expertise in Korea, this alliance presents a significant opportunity for GSK to extend its commercial footprint and build operational scale in this fast growing Asian market."

Mr. Won-Bae Kim, the president of Dong-A said: "Together with GSK, we have built an excellent win-win alliance. This collaboration is expected to improve our market competitiveness in the fast changing domestic and global pharmaceutical markets. It will enable us to accelerate our transformation into a true global player taking advantage of GSK’s excellent product pipeline as well as their global marketing/operational expertise and standards."

Closing of the transaction is subject to fulfilment of certain conditions as agreed between GSK and Dong-A.

The Korean pharmaceutical market (ethical, over-the-counter) has consistently enjoyed double-digit growth (13.9% CAGR 2006-08) and in 2008, was the 13th largest pharmaceutical market in the world. IMS suggests the market is forecast to grow by approximately 10% CAGR through to 2012.

GSK Korea reported sales of £225 million (KRW 434 bn) in 2009 and is currently ranked number 5 in the Korean pharmaceutical market.

GlaxoSmithKline - One of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com and www.gsk-korea.co.kr.

Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. - Dong-A is the #1 pharmaceutical company in Korea with 2009 total sales of KRW 801bn (ï¿¡414m) across a range of proprietary and generic Rx products and leading Cx brands. It has industry-leading commercial capabilities and scale, a proven track record of successful collaboration with overseas pharma companies and a good reputation within Korea. It has been listed on the Korean Stock Exchange since 1970. For further information please visit http://www.donga-pharm.com.