Pfizer Inc. Issues Statement on ZoetisTM IPO
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced that its former animal health
business unit, now a standalone company named ZoetisTM, began
trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ZTS.”
“This is a proud moment for all Zoetis and Pfizer employees,” said Ian
Read, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer. “With the Zoetis
initial public offering, we are creating the largest standalone company
fully devoted to animal health medicines and vaccines. For Pfizer, we
are better positioned to focus on our core business as an innovative
biopharmaceutical company, by unlocking value from the animal health
business that will return value to Pfizer shareholders.”
Building on a 60-year history as the animal health business of Pfizer,
Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines
and medicines for livestock and companion animals. Pfizer announced in
2012 that it would pursue an initial public offering (IPO) of a minority
ownership stake in its animal health business unit as part of its
long-term strategy to focus on the company’s core biopharmaceuticals
business.
Serving health needs across eight animal species, including farm animals
such as cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and fish, and companion animals
such as dogs, cats and horses, Zoetis’ diversified portfolio of more
than 300 product lines spans five categories: vaccines, parasiticides,
anti-infectives, medicated feed additives, and other pharmaceuticals for
veterinarians and livestock producers.
“Since 1952, our animal health business has served the needs of those
who raise and care for animals with high quality medicines and vaccines.
Now, as Zoetis, it is well positioned to pursue the growth strategies
that will enhance its global reach and drive further commercial success.
We congratulate our Zoetis colleagues on this important milestone,” said
Read.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these
securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer,
solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any state or jurisdiction.
About Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world®
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health
and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for
quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and
manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified
global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and
small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as many of the world’s
best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across
developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention,
treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our
time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading
biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care
providers, governments and local communities to support and expand
access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more
than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely
on us.
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as
of February 1, 2013. Pfizer assumes no obligation to
update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the
result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information that involves
substantial risks and uncertainties about the initial public offering of
shares of Class A common stock of Zoetis Inc. Such risks
and uncertainties include, among other things, risks relating to Zoetis
as a standalone business as the result of the variables and
uncertainties inherent in business, financial and operating performance,
including, among other things, competitive developments and general
economic, political, business, industry, regulatory and market
conditions; and the potential for disruption to Zoetis as the result of
the initial public offering. A further description of
risks and uncertainties can be found in Zoetis’ Registration Statement
on Form S-1(File No. 333-183254), as amended, as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
All content set forth in this communication is subject to
consultation with works councils, unions and employee representatives as
required by and subject to local laws and regulations.