J&J exploring strategic options for LifeScan unit

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.  — Johnson and Johnson on Tuesday announced it will be evaluating "potential strategic options" for its LifeScan diabetes business, as well as other J&J diabetes banners including Animas Corp. and Calibra Medical.



The news was announced in conjunction with the company's fourth quarter earnings call, and is part of the company's ongoing portfolio management.



"Strategic options may include the formation of operating partnerships, joint ventures or strategic alliances, a sale of the businesses or other alternatives either separately or together," J&J stated. "All options will be evaluated to determine the best opportunity to drive future growth and maximize shareholder value. There can be no assurance that this process will result in any transaction or other strategic alternative of any kind."



For the quarter, Johnson & Johnson posted sales of $18.1 billion, an increase of 1.7% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2015. Worldwide, J&J sales for the full-year 2016 were $71.9 billion, an increase of 2.6% versus 2015.