"Durex, in the sexual well-being category, is the global No. 1
condom brand and Scholl is the market leader in the foot care category in many of the markets where it is present," he says. Counterbidders such as Johnson & Johnson or GlaxoSmithKline could step in
but analysts suggest that's unlikely because Reckitt is offering a 64% premium to the average share price over the last 12 months.
"The acquisition will add two new Powerbrands, with good further growth potential, to Reckitt Benckiser's current arsenal, making 19 Powerbrands in total," says Becht. The Guardian has a slide show and brief history http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/gallery/2010/jul/21/reckitt-benckiser-ssl-brands of some of the company's best-known brands.
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