I guess we'll find out how much Reckitt gets for the Greater China business of Mead Johnson. I think you're hoping that the US$2b price tag isn't right as it provides an unfavorable yardstick to valuate similar businesses like A2M. I don't think you'd see an article like that if there wasn't some truth behind it.
I think Reckitt just wants out of the business at any price as it has underperformed relative to expectations and they see a lot of headwinds for it going forward and don't want to sink more money into it if it's not going to generate a return for shareholders. And this is probably the going rate that an acquirer is prepared to pay given the risk/reward proposition.
A2M has highlighted the same headwinds the Reckitt have mentioned - lower birth rate, increased competition, move in preference to local brands, etc. So it's something that all companies are facing.
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