Industryweek 6311 Reckitt Benckiser

Condom Maker Reckitt Expands Into K-Y Sexual Lubricants

March 10, 2014
The London-listed firm, which makes Durex condoms, has agreed to buy global rights to the K-Y brand from McNeil-PPC Inc., a subsidiary of U.S. rival Johnson & Johnson.

LONDON -- Britain's Reckitt Benckiser (IW 1000/300), the maker of Durex condoms, is expanding into K-Y sexual lubricants, the consumer goods company revealed today.

The London-listed firm has agreed to buy global rights to the K-Y brand from McNeil-PPC Inc., a subsidiary of U.S. rival Johnson & Johnson (IW 500/17), for an undisclosed amount, it said in a statement.

"K-Y, as a global leader in intimate lubricants with very high trust score among women, will sit alongside the Reckitt Benckiser power brand Durex to create a unique portfolio of brands in the sexual well-being category," it added. "Its addition will immediately transform RB's sexual well-being category in the USA and Brazil."

Net sales of K-Y, which is sold in more than 50 countries, stood at above $100 million (72 million euros) last year, Reckitt said.

The United States, Canada and Brazil accounted for the majority of K-Y's sales in 2013.

No employees or fixed assets are included in the purchase, which is expected to complete in mid-2014.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2014

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

How Digital Twin Technology is Empowering Manufacturers

Sept. 27, 2023
This FAQ delves into why this technology offers business value and considerations toward implementation.

Navigating Disruption: A Leader’s Guide to Strategy Under Uncertainty

Nov. 1, 2023
AI, sustainability, digital--industrials are facing disruptive forces that are redefining what it takes to win. What got your company where it is today won’t get you where you...

Brand Tracking 101 Toolkit

May 30, 2023
Ongoing brand tracking is essential for improving brand health and tracking the ROI of marketing initiatives – in fact, companies with strong brand identities outperform competitors...

The Executive Guide to Best Practices for Ecommerce Integration

Oct. 2, 2023
Get ready to elevate your post-checkout experiences and thrive in today's unpredictable market. Learn why integration and automation are crucial to run operations more smoothly...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!