07.21.10
Reckitt Benckiser will acquire SSL International plc for nearly $3.9 billion. SSL markets a wide range of personal care products including Durex condoms, Scholl foot care products and several local personal care brands including Mister Baby, Sauber, Silkoplast and Paramol.
The acquisition of SSL will provide a step change to Reckitt Benckiser's global health and personal care business, which has been a key driver of Reckitt Benckiser's net revenuegrowth and profit progression. It is anticipated that the acquisition will increase Reckitt Benckiser's health and personal care net revenues by over 36%," said Bart Becht CEO of RB. "The acquisition will add two new Powerbrands, with good further growth potential, to Reckitt & Benckiser's current arsenal, making 19 Powerbrands in total. Durex, in the sexual wellbeing category, is the global number one condom brand and Scholl is the market leader in thefootcare category in many of the markets where it is present.
SSL has sales of more than $1.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2010.
Observers applauded the acquisition and warned it could pose problems for competitors.
"Could be ominous for Trojan, since rival, Durex, will now be owned by Reckitt-Benckiser who is a much stronger marketer than Church & Dwight. Also, Church & Dwight have never managed to develop any real international capability, whereas Reckitt-Benckiser is truly global in its reach" said Colin Hession, of Colin Hession Consulting.
The acquisition of SSL will provide a step change to Reckitt Benckiser's global health and personal care business, which has been a key driver of Reckitt Benckiser's net revenuegrowth and profit progression. It is anticipated that the acquisition will increase Reckitt Benckiser's health and personal care net revenues by over 36%," said Bart Becht CEO of RB. "The acquisition will add two new Powerbrands, with good further growth potential, to Reckitt & Benckiser's current arsenal, making 19 Powerbrands in total. Durex, in the sexual wellbeing category, is the global number one condom brand and Scholl is the market leader in thefootcare category in many of the markets where it is present.
SSL has sales of more than $1.2 billion for the year ended March 31, 2010.
Observers applauded the acquisition and warned it could pose problems for competitors.
"Could be ominous for Trojan, since rival, Durex, will now be owned by Reckitt-Benckiser who is a much stronger marketer than Church & Dwight. Also, Church & Dwight have never managed to develop any real international capability, whereas Reckitt-Benckiser is truly global in its reach" said Colin Hession, of Colin Hession Consulting.