UK: Unilever divests part of Central American laundry business

Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, has announced it has entered into an agreement to sell part of its laundry detergent business in Central America to the Guatemalan household and personal care firm Industria La Popular for an undisclosed sum.

The deal will see Unilever divest its direct application laundry soap bars business in Central America, including the licence to use the brands Xtra, Surf, Unox and Rinso. The rights to use the brands in the detergents category will be retained by Unilever, the company added.

Industria La Popular manages a portfolio of 15 homecare brands in categories such as bleach, disinfectants, dish detergent, soap, and cosmetics.

Subject to local regulatory approval, the deal is expected to be completed during the second half of 2020.

Source: Unilever / Industria La Popular