Pacific Dunlop Buys Johnson & Johnson Medical Glove Business

MELBOURNE: Australian diversified manufacturing company Pacific Dunlop Ltd. is buying U.S.-based Johnson & Johnson's medical-glove business for US$98 million, according to Pacific Dunlop. Pacific Dunlop is making the purchase through its U.S.-based subsidiary Ansell, which already makes medical gloves. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals. "Importantly, the acquisition will expand Ansell's position as a medical-glove specialist and at the same time deliver growth in key markets such as the U.S., Canada, the UK and Brazil," says Pacific Dunlop Managing Director Rod Chadwick. In addition to brands sold in 40 countries, the deal includes a manufacturing plant outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ansell's existing offices will take over the job of marketing the former Johnson & Johnson products.