Who Owns Panadol?
Panadol is owned by Haleon, a British multinational consumer healthcare company spun off from GSK in 2022. Panadol operates as Haleon's flagship pain relief brand and is manufactured in multiple facilities worldwide.
Parent Company
Haleon plc
Founded
1955
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
Who Owns Panadol?
- Parent Company: Haleon plc
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: LSE: HLN
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Panadol | Haleon plc | Wholly owned |
History of Panadol
- Founded: 1955
- Founders: Frederick Stearns
Panadol was first introduced in 1955 by Frederick Stearns, an American pharmaceutical entrepreneur. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for healthcare pharmaceuticals solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the healthcare pharmaceuticals category for generations. The medication was developed as a paracetamol-based pain reliever that could be sold without prescription in pharmacies and other retail outlets. This strategic positioning demonstrated Panadol's exceptional ability to create differentiated healthcare pharmaceuticals solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Panadol expanded globally, becoming one of the world's most recognized pain relief brands. This period of excellence demonstrated Panadol's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple healthcare pharmaceuticals segments. The medication was acquired by various pharmaceutical companies before becoming part of the Beecham Group and later GSK portfolio. This strategic diversification demonstrated Panadol's exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the healthcare pharmaceuticals industry.
The 1980s and 1990s saw Panadol expand its product range with various formulations including Panadol Extra, Panadol Advance, and other specialized versions. This continued evolution demonstrated Panadol's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing healthcare pharmaceuticals requirements and technological advancements. The brand maintained its market leadership position through effective marketing and product innovation. This continued excellence demonstrates Panadol's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing healthcare pharmaceuticals dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Panadol's exceptional ability to integrate into larger healthcare pharmaceuticals corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the pain-relief industry.
In 2022, Panadol became part of Haleon when GSK spun off its consumer healthcare division into a separate publicly traded company. This continued evolution demonstrated Panadol's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing healthcare pharmaceuticals requirements and corporate dynamics. The move allowed Panadol to benefit from focused consumer healthcare management and strategic investment. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of pain-relief and consumer-focused healthcare pharmaceuticals solutions. This strategic partnership demonstrated Panadol's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct healthcare pharmaceuticals identity and market leadership. This continued excellence demonstrates Panadol's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing healthcare pharmaceuticals dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Panadol's exceptional ability to integrate into larger healthcare pharmaceuticals corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the pain-relief industry.
About Haleon plc
What does Haleon own?
Haleon owns a portfolio of approximately 24 global and regional consumer health brands across five categories: oral health, vitamins and supplements, pain relief, respiratory health, and digestive health. Key brands include Sensodyne (sensitivity toothpaste), Panadol (pain relief), Centrum (multivitamins), Advil (ibuprofen), Voltaren (topical pain relief), Otrivin (nasal decongestant), Parodontax (gum health), Polident and Poligrip (denture care), Aquafresh (oral care), and Emergen-C (vitamin C). Products are sold in more than 170 countries.
Is Haleon publicly traded?
Yes, Haleon plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange under ticker HLN, with American Depositary Shares also listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the same ticker. Haleon completed its listing on the London Stock Exchange on 18 July 2022, in what was the largest London Stock Exchange listing in over a decade. The company does not have a controlling shareholder, and its shares are held primarily by institutional investors.
Who founded Haleon?
Haleon was formed through the demerger of GSK's consumer healthcare division in July 2022 and does not have a traditional founder. The consumer healthcare business that became Haleon was assembled by GSK and Pfizer through decades of acquisitions. In 2019, GSK and Pfizer combined their consumer healthcare businesses into a joint venture, which was subsequently demerged as Haleon in 2022. Brian McNamara, who had led the GSK Consumer Healthcare joint venture, became CEO of Haleon at the time of the demerger.
Where is Haleon headquartered?
Haleon is headquartered in Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom. The company's registered office and principal executive offices are located in Weybridge. Haleon operates manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Germany, Ireland, and China, among other locations. The company sells products in more than 170 countries through a global commercial organization.
How many brands does Haleon own?
Haleon owns approximately 24 global and regional consumer health brands. The company's portfolio is concentrated in five categories: oral health (Sensodyne, Parodontax, Polident, Poligrip, Aquafresh), vitamins and supplements (Centrum, Caltrate, Emergen-C), pain relief (Advil, Panadol, Voltaren), respiratory health (Otrivin, Theraflu, Robitussin), and digestive health (Nexium Control, Tums). The company's strategy is to build global scale in a small number of category-leading brands rather than operate a large number of smaller brands.
Who owns Haleon?
Haleon plc is a publicly traded company with no controlling shareholder. At the time of the July 2022 demerger, GSK plc and Pfizer Inc. each retained significant stakes in Haleon, but both companies have been reducing their positions over time. As of early 2026, both GSK and Pfizer have substantially reduced their stakes. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders. The company's board includes a majority of independent non-executive directors.
- Founded: 2022
- Headquarters: Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: LSE: HLN
Where Is Panadol Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Manufacturing / Operations: United Kingdom, Australia, Various international facilities
Brands Owned by Haleon plc
Panadol Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong brand recognition and market leadership in pain relief
- +Extensive global distribution and availability
- +Backing from Haleon's consumer healthcare expertise and resources
- +Trusted reputation and long-standing brand heritage
- +Multiple product formulations for different pain relief needs
Considerations
- -Competition from generic paracetamol products and other pain relief brands
- -Regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing
- -Need to maintain quality standards across global manufacturing operations
- -Dependence on consumer healthcare market trends and preferences
- -Price competition in over-the-counter medication market
Frequently Asked Questions About Panadol
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to Panadol
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pfizer | USA | 1990 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Haleon | United Kingdom | 1976 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Johnson Johnson | USA | 1946 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Kenvue | USA | 1974 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Johnson Johnson | USA | 1972 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Merck | USA | 1986 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Diflucan
Owned by Pfizer
Prescription antifungal medication for treating fungal infections including candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis, manufactured and marketed by Pfizer.

Voltaren
Owned by Haleon plc
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief brand containing diclofenac, owned by Haleon plc (LSE/NYSE: HLN) since its July 2022 spinoff from the GSK and Pfizer consumer health joint venture, with Voltaren growing mid-single digit in full-year 2025 supported by new format patches and Voltadexibu launches.

Benadryl
Owned by Johnson & Johnson
American brand of antihistamine medication used to treat allergies, itching, and cold symptoms, manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson.

Motrin
Owned by Kenvue
American brand of ibuprofen pain relief medication owned by Kenvue, the consumer health spinoff from Johnson & Johnson, which is being acquired by Kimberly-Clark in a $40 billion deal announced in November 2025.

Neosporin
Owned by Johnson & Johnson
American brand of antibiotic ointment and topical wound care products containing triple antibiotic formula, manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson.

Pepcid
Owned by Merck & Co.
Over-the-counter and prescription medication for treating heartburn and acid reflux, manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Panadol competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Haleon plc Stock Information
Jobs at Haleon plc
Latest News About Panadol
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