To facilitate understanding of this report some facts about GSK are covered here but more information about GSK can be found in the Annual Report and Accounts and on gsk.com.

GSK is a world-leading, research-based pharmaceutical company with a mission to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

Headquartered in the UK and with operations based in the US, the company is one of the industry leaders, with an estimated seven per cent of the world's pharmaceutical market. GSK leads the market in four major therapeutic areas: anti-infectives, central nervous system (CNS), respiratory and gastro-intestinal/metabolic. In addition, it is a leader in the area of vaccines and has a growing portfolio of oncology products. The Consumer Healthcare portfolio of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, oral care products and nutritional healthcare drinks, all are among the market leaders.

GSK has over 100,000 employees worldwide. Of these, over 40,000 are in sales and marketing, the largest sales force in the industry. Over 42,000 work at 99 manufacturing sites in 39 countries and over 16,000 are in R&D. R&D is based at 24 sites in seven countries. The company has a leading position in genomics/genetics and new drug discovery technologies.