GSK in pole position for Pfizer unit as Reckitt Benckiser quits auction

It is possible Pfizer may receive more offers, the sources added, or it could decide against a sale

British consumer goods group Reckitt Benckiser has pulled out of talks to buy Pfizer’s consumer healthcare business, strengthening rival bidder GlaxoSmithKline’s hand.

Reckitt dropped out on Wednesday as the US drug company was fielding binding offers for the unit. Sources familiar with the matter said British drugmaker GSK was working on an offer.

Reckitt said its proposal had only been for part of the Pfizer business, without giving further details. One person familiar with the matter said the company had been most interested in the painkiller Advil.

It is possible Pfizer may receive more offers, the sources added, or it could decide against