8. Glaxo Wellcome & SmithKline Beecham Merger
In 2000, two pharmaceutical giants, Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, joined forces to create GlaxoSmithKline, forming the world’s largest drug company at the time. This “merger of equals” wasn’t just about size; it combined R&D power, global reach, and complementary products to dominate the pharmaceutical landscape. The move surprised many, showing how two rivals could unite to reshape an entire industry and set new standards for innovation and efficiency.