Pfizer Will Consider Split of Drug Units, CEO Read Says

Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest drugmaker, may consider dividing its branded medicines and generic products units into separate businesses, Chief Executive Officer Ian Read said.

Any split would be a long-term proposition first requiring changes to parts of Pfizer’s existing operations, Read said yesterday on a conference call with analysts. “We will look at it,” he said when asked about the possibility of a bigger breakup of the New York-based company.