1. History of gsk-ch
Highlights in the History of
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Inc. will always be grateful for the achievements
and pioneer efforts of our founders and their spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial
endeavour. This spirit has been carried forward by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer
Healthcare Canada and has been adopted by our employees as we become the leader in
our industry.
The following notable highlights present some of the milestones in the history of the
people, companies and products that led to the foundation of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer
Healthcare Canada.
• In 1907, Toronto-based Mr. Harold F Ritchie & Company Limited obtained the
rights to distribute ENO Fruit Salts in Canada.
• In 1928, Mr. Ritchie acquired the United Kingdom based companies JC Eno and
Thermogene, forming a company called International Proprietaries Limited.
• In 1938, Beecham Group Limited acquired Eno Proprietaries and Macleans
Limited, adding antacid Eno's Fruit Salts, toothpaste and Lucozade energy drink
which signaled expansion to the oral care and drinks markets. The Horlicks
Malted Milk business grew markedly in the years after the beverage was patented.
In the 1930's, "Malted Milk" was dropped from the product description and
Horlicks began promoting the benefits of sound sleep, resulting from the regular
bedtime consumption of the drink.
• Also in 1938, a blackcurrant syrup made specifically for the preparation of
milkshakes was found to have exceptionally high vitamin C content. This product
was developed for sale through hospitals named Ribena, from the Latin for
blackcurrant Ribes negrum. Ribena was produced for free distribution to children
during the Second World War.
• In 1939, Beecham acquired Country Perfumery Company Limited, manufactures
of Brylcreem, a men's hair application.
• In 1960, Smith Kline & French launches Contac, the cold remedy, using the
Spansule to release an initial major therapeutic dose, followed by numerous
smaller doses, over 10 - 12 hours.

2. • In 1986, Beecham acquires the United States firm of Norcliff Thayer, adding
Tums (antacid tablet) and Oxy (acne treatment) to our over-the-counter portfolio,
reinforcing our strong position in the OTC market.
• The merger in 1989 of SmithKline Beckman United States and The Beecham
Group United Kingdom formed SmithKline Beecham, which created a new
company with one of world's largest research and development organizations. The
combined product portfolio, pipeline and geographic networks positioned
SmithKline Beecham at the forefront of the global healthcare industry creating
customer healthcare solutions.
• In December 2000, Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham merged to form
GlaxoSmithKline Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Inc.
• In 2001, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Canada acquired family-owned
Block Drug Company (Canada) Limited. In the early 1900's, Alexander Block
began operations of a small pharmacy in New York, United States primarily
selling Wernet's brand of denture cleaners and adhesives - marking the true
beginnings of Block products that exist today. In the 1950's, Block Drug
expanded into worldwide markets including Canada. Block Drug Company
(Canada) Limited brought denture care products, oral healthcare products, over-
the-counter medications and professional dental products such as Sensodyne®,
Polident®, Poli-Grip® and Spectro Jel® to GlaxoSmithKline Consumer
Healthcare's brand portfolio.
Today GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Inc. continues to be recognized by our
customers and our consumers as a world class provider of market-leading, science-based
consumer healthcare products.
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