GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a world leading research-based pharmaceutical company with a powerful combination of skills and resources that provides a platform for delivering strong growth in today's rapidly changing healthcare environment.

    GSK's mission is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

    Headquartered in the UK and with operations based in the US, the new company is one of the industry leaders, with an estimated seven per cent of the world's pharmaceutical market.

    GSK also has leadership in four major therapeutic areas - anti-infectives, central nervous system (CNS), respiratory and gastro-intestinal/metabolic. In addition, it is a leader in the important area of vaccines and has a growing portfolio of oncology products.

    The company also has a Consumer Healthcare portfolio comprising over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, oral care products and nutritional healthcare drinks, all of which are among the market leaders.

    Based on 2003 Annual Results, GSK had sales of21.4 billion ($35.2 billion) and profit before tax of6.7 billion ($11 billion). Total pharmaceutical turnover grew 5% to just over18 billion ($29 billion).

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    GSK has over 100,000 employees worldwide. Of these, over 40,000 are in sales and marketing, the largest sales force in the industry. Over 42,000 employees work at 91 manufacturing sites in 38 countries and over 16,000 are in R&D.

    GSK R&D is based at 24 sites in seven countries. The company has a leading position in genomics/genetics and new drug discovery technologies. The GSK R&D budget is about2.4bn/$4bn.