First up was GlaxoSmithKline's global media. GroupM handled most of the account worldwide, split between Mediacom, Mindshare and Essence. Omnicom's PHD had the US, Australia and New Zealand. However,

withdrew mid-week, leaving rival GlaxoSmithKline with a clear path to conclude a deal. However, the British group also dropped its bid on Friday. Both companies indicated the high cost of the business

second-largest British company in that sector after GlaxoSmithKline. It has no exposure to over-the-counter healthcare, but manages a sizeable portfolio of prescription products, including eight $1bn-

GlaxoSmithKline and Reckitt Benckiser. Most observers expect RB to win the prize, since GSK would need the approval of its healthcare partner Novartis, which might not be forthcoming. Meanwhile, the simultaneous

trading standards regulator turned its attention to GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission began proceedings against their GSK Consumer Healthcare joint venture

GlaxoSmithKline named former Novartis executive Brian McNamara as the new CEO of the GSK Consumer Healthcare entity, following Emma Walmsley's promotion to GSK global CEO. He previously headed the OTC

GlaxoSmithKline named Emma Walmsley as its next CEO. She will succeed Sir Andrew Witty in March 2017, becoming arguably the most powerful woman in the UK corporate sector. Although five other FTSE 100

later to become part of GlaxoSmithKline) and was the platform for the introduction in 1957 of carbonated orange drink Tango. Meanwhile Whitbread's R Whites had become firmly established as the UK's favourite

GlaxoSmithKline's global media business looks set to remain in the hands of incumbents PHD and GroupM's MediaCom and other agencies. However, a reallocation of duties is likely. Currently PHD manages

GlaxoSmithKline was the latest global marketing giant to join the so-called "mediapalooza", an unprecedented wave of global media reviews, in which more than 20 global groups have called pitches. GSK'