Merger Update

GlaxoSmithKline PLC
31 January 2001

Issued: 31st January 2001, London


     FTC Makes Final its Consent Order to Approve GlaxoSmithKline Merger


GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE:GSK) today announces that, following a period of
public comment, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made final its
consent order to approve the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham.
The FTC vote to finalise the consent decree was 5-0.

When the FTC approved the terms of the consent decree on 18th December 2000 it
stated that it would continue investigating the potential effects of the
merger in the area of smoking cessation products. The FTC has voted 5-0 to
close its investigation into this area.

GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and
healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by
enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.


Enquiries:

UK Media enquiries                      Martin Sutton        [phone]

                                        Philip Thomson       [phone]

                                        Alan Chandler        [phone]

US Media enquiries                      Nancy Pekarek        [phone]

                                        Mary Anne Rhyne      [phone]

European Analyst/Investor enquiries     Jennie Younger       [phone]
                                        Duncan Learmouth     [phone]
                                        Joan Toohill         [phone]

                                        Anita Kidgell        [phone]

US Analyst/ Investor enquiries          Frank Murdolo        [phone]

                                        Tom Curry            [phone]

Website address                         www.gsk.com