Taisho and P&G Sign Sole Distributorship Contract for"VICKS VapoRub", a Rub-type Cold Remedy

October 9, 2003

Taisho and P&G Sign Sole Distributorship Contract for
"VICKS VapoRub", a Rub-type Cold Remedy

Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (President: Akira Uehara) and P&G (Procter & Gamble Far East Inc., Headquarters: Kobe) signed on October 3, 2003 a sole distributorship contract for P&G’s "VICKS VapoRub", a rub-type cold remedy. Taisho will launch sales of the product on January 1, 2004.

Taisho held talks with P&G in May 2002, about acquiring the rights to sell "VICKS Medicated Drops", a sore throat remedy in lozenge form for which P&G is seeking expanded sales in Japan, and acquiring the rights to serve as the sole distributor of "VICKS VapoRub". Sales of "VICKS Medicated Drops" began in July of last year.
Based on the sole distributorship contract applying to "VICKS VapoRub" Taisho will also sell the complete line of "VICKS" products in Japan.

Vicks has ranked as one of the top brands in the Japanese OTC drug market for nearly 50 years. Taisho believes the addition of the Vicks brand to its lineup will further strengthen its Self-Medication business.

Product specification
"VICKS VapoRub"

Features

This rub-type cold remedy helps relieve the coughing and stuffy nose associated with colds to make breathing easier.

Packaging

50 g jar : 100 g jar : 80 g tube

Suggested
retail price

50 g jar ¥1,000 : 100 g jar ¥1,900 : 80 g tube ¥1,600

History

1912	Launched in the United States under the trade name "VapoRub".
1953	Introduced to Japan by Hankyu Kyoei Bussan Co., Ltd.