Pfizer/Wyeth Merger May Cut Space Needs

NEW YORK CITY-The $68-billion deal between pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Wyeth may or may not create a hugely successful combination, and may or may not lead to a wave of further consolidation among drug manufacturers. What is certain is that the combined company will carry forth with a smaller real estate footprint.

In announcing its acquisition of rival Wyeth–based on the other side of the Hudson River in Madison, NJ–Pfizer on Monday also provided details of a new cost-reduction initiative. As part of the initiative, Pfizer says it will reduce its global workforce by approximately 10%, or approximately 8,000 jobs. Reductions will span sales, manufacturing, research and development and administrative organizations, Pfizer states.

The company also intends to reduce the number of manufacturing sites from the current 46 to 41, as well as reduce its facilities square footage by approximately 15%, according to a release. During a news conference Monday at Pfizer’s world headquarters, 235 E. 42nd St., Pfizer officials declined to identify where plant closings would occur, and a Pfizer spokesman did not respond to GlobeSt.com’s requests for further comment.