Reckitt Mulls Sale of Some Homecare Brands

World's largest homecare player may sell several non-core brands.

Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc is in early discussions with potential suitors for its homecare business. Industry observers said the move could fetch nearly $8 billion at current exchange rates. Reckitt, ranked No. 4 in Happi’s International Top 30, is working with Morgan Stanley on a deal for the brands, which include Airwick air freshener and Cillit Bang cleaners.

In announcing the move, Reckitt said it will focus on power brands such as disinfectants like Harpic, Vanish, Dettol and Lysol. Other Reckitt power brands include Strepsils lozenges, Mucinex cold remedy and Durex condoms.

In another move, Reckitt retained Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to evaluate a potential sale of its Mead Johnson infant formula business. No final decision is imminent. The formula business was created by the $17 billion acquisition of Mead Johnson in 2017. Since then, Reckitt has taken a charge of nearly $10 billion, which includes a loss from selling the China portion of the business.

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