Dublin-domiciled drug firm Perrigo is set to significantly strengthen its status as one of the world’s leading over-the-counter drugs makers by acquiring a selection of such brands from industry giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Ireland’s Dan Martin stepped up his preparations for the upcoming Vuelta A Espana and next month’s World Championships with a solid result in his main build-up race last night.

Mark Cavendish claimed the spoils on the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia, benefitting from a crash in the final kilometre to snatch the win for his Omega Pharma team.

Team Sky’s Bradley Wiggins’ stellar season has landed him the prestigious Vélo d’Or award for 2012.

GlaxoSmithKline is to sell over-the-counter brands in Europe, including Solpadeine, Zantac and Beconase, for €470m to Omega Pharma.

GlaxoSmithKline has resumed the hunt for a buyer for the European slice of its non-core drugs portfolio, with buyout firms and rival drug companies in the running to cherry pick consumer health brands, people with knowledge of the process said.