USA: Essity to acquire Edgewell feminine care business

Swedish hygiene and health firm Essity has entered into an agreement to acquire toiletries giant Edgewell’s feminine care business for $340 million.

Through an asset agreement, Essity will take ownership of Edgewell’s feminine care business, which includes liners, pads and tampons. The transaction covers the Carefree, Stayfree and o.b. brands in the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean, global Playtex rights in feminine care, and a manufacturing facility located in Dover, Delaware.

Commenting on the deal, Edgewell president and CEO Rod Little said: “This transaction marks a pivotal step in Edgewell’s transformation. By selling our Feminine Care business to Essity, we are sharpening our focus on our core categories, strengthening our financial position, and positioning Edgewell for sustainable, long-term growth”.

“This is a win for our shareholders who will benefit from a more agile and focused company; for our customers, who will continue to receive innovative products and dedicated service; and for our employees, who will have new opportunities for growth and success with Essity, a global leader in health and hygiene”, he added.

Essity president and CEO Ulrika Kolsrud commented: “I’m looking forward to further grow these well-known brands, using our established recipe for success within Feminine Care. With this acquisition we are building a stronger personal care business in North America, in line with our strategy to focus on high yielding categories in attractive geographies”.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

Source: Essity / Edgewell