J&J splitting into two companies

Photo by: Johnson and Johnson
Photo by: Johnson and Johnson

(New Brunswick, NJ) -- Johnson and Johnson is splitting into two companies.  

Its consumer products business will be separated from the pharmaceutical and medical device side of the company. The company's CEO says the move is in the best interest of patients and those who work in healthcare.

Alex Gorsky also said it's the best path to enhancing healthcare outcomes across the globe.

Johnson and Johnson's move follows a similar announcement by General Electric this week, which is splitting into three companies. The units will focus on aviation, healthcare, and energy.