US-based A.O. Smith Buys Unilever’s Pureit Water Purification Brand

Unilever is selling its Pureit water purification business to A. O. Smith, a global water technology company based in Milwaukee, WI. Pureit’s products are sold in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Mexico, among other markets.

The sale is part of Unilever’s portfolio realignment to “higher-growth” spaces, according to officials.

A 150-year old company, A. O. Smith manufactures residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers and water treatment products, including the AqauSana brand. It is publicly traded on the NYSE.

“The sale of Pureit marks another milestone on our journey to evolve our portfolio towards higher-growth spaces, in line with our Growth Action Plan. Pureit provides essential water purification solutions to millions of loyal consumers, and I am confident the brand will thrive further under the ownership of A. O. Smith,” said Eduardo Campanella, president of Unilever Home Care.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, according to Unilever, which will continue to manage the business until the completion of the deal.