HEALTH
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Two Drug Giants Form Partnership: Anglo-American drug group SmithKline Beecham said it will form a partnership with Marion Merrell Dow Inc. of the United States to develop and market over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. The partnership will market such brands as SmithKline Beecham’s Tums, Contac, Oxy and Aquafresh and Marion Merrell Dow’s Gaviscon, Cepacol, Citrucel and Os-Cal. Initially SmithKline Beecham will own 90% and Kansas City, Mo.-based Marion Merrell 10% of the partnership. Over time, ownership will be adjusted to reflect the products each contributes. SmithKline’s U.S. over-the-counter business had 1991 sales of $550 million and Marion Merrell Dow’s $110 million.
