GLAXOSMITHKLINE COMPLETES 800 MLN STG FLU VACCINE ACQUISITION

GlaxoSmithKline PLC said it has completed the 800 mln stg acquisition of Canadian flu vaccine manufacturer ID Biomedical. The deal will boost GSK's manufacturing capacity to 150 mln doses by the end of the decade, improving its ability to address both seasonal and pandemic influenza threats, according to GSK chief executive JP Garnier. Europe's biggest drug maker has been making rapid advances towards becoming the biggest supplier of the vaccine, rivaling Sanofi Pasteur.

Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2005/12/08/afx2378410.html)