At $54-bn value, interest in GSK's arm may lead to biggest-ever buyout

Advent International, CVC Capital Partners and KKR are among potential suitors for GSK's consumer unit

GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK’s) consumer unit is drawing interest from private equity firms in what could lead to the biggest buyout of all time, people with knowledge of the matter said. 

The drugmaker’s advisers are informally fielding interest in the operations alongside preparations for a listing, said the people in the know. Advent International, CVC Capital Partners and KKR & Co are among potential suitors evaluating the business, they said.

Blackstone, Carlyle Group, and Permira are also seen as likely suitors for the consumer arm, which could be valued at £40 billion ($54 billion) or more in any deal, the people said. The unit,