Reckitt acquires Strepsils, Clearasil, Sweetex brands
FMCG major Reckitt Benckiser (India) Ltd on Monday announced that it has acquired three brands in the healthcare segment — Strepsils, Clearasil and Sweetex. These were being marketed in the country till last month through a joint venture between Boots Healthcare International and Nicholas Piramal. Reckitt Benckiser will now market the three multi-crore brands with effect from October, according to a company release.
Reckitt Benckiser Plc had in October 2005 announced the acquisition of Boots Healthcare International for an estimated 1.9 billion. Boots was the parent company of the three brands, till the company entered into a joint venture with Nicholas Piramal, to market the products in the country. Reckitt Benckiser India has thereby taken over the marketing rights of the three brands after the expiry of the joint venture between the two companies.
"This is a monumental occasion for Reckitt Benckiser India as these brands will substantially strengthen Reckitt Benckiser’s position in both healthcare and personal care. The company has the ability and commitment to grow and make significant changes in brand development and distribution to these strong brands," said Mr Chander Mohan Sethi, Chairman and Managing Director. The company currently sells brands such as Dettol, Harpic and Mortein in India.
On completion of the much talked about global acquisition of Boots International on February 1, 2006, Mr Bart Becht, CEO, Reckitt Benckiser, had said it gave the company a platform for additional growth at very attractive margins.
"Boots International Healthcare brings power brands like Strepsils and Clearasil whose distribution can be substantially expanded over time. In 2006, our major focus for this business will be on successful integration and extracting the promised synergies while gradually preparing the business for growth," he said.
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