‘Too early’ for drugs merger

A Glaxo Wellcome spokeswoman declines to comment on the design of a new corporate identity and the creation of a new name, should the company merge. It is in talks with UK pharmaceuticals giant SmithKline Beecham.

The spokeswoman says it is too early to comment on the effect any merger would have on its design activities.

Glaxo Wellcome’s identity was created by Merchant, which commissioned The Red Square Studio to carry out the design work, when Glaxo took over Wellcome (6 October 1995).

If the two companies agree terms for a merger, it is likely to be some time before it receives regulatory approval.

The new company would be worth 100bn – making it the world’s second biggest company.