STOCKHOLM, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hygiene and health company Essity has completed the acquisition of Edgewell Personal Care's feminine care business, including the Carefree, Stayfree and o.b. brands in North America and global feminine care rights for the Playtex brand. The purchase price for the assets amounts to USD 340m (approximately SEK 3bn) on a cash and debt-free basis. The acquisition supports Essity's strategy to focus on high margin categories and to grow market positions in the US, the worl ...

Core Insights - Essity has agreed to acquire Edgewell Personal Care's feminine care business for USD 340 million, enhancing its position in the North American hygiene market [1][3] - The acquisition includes well-known brands such as Carefree, Stayfree, and o.b., as well as global rights for Playtex and a production facility in Dover, Delaware [1][3] - The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [1] Financial Summary - The purchase price of USD 340 million represents an EBITDA multiple of approximately 12.1x based on pro-forma IFRS as of June 30, 2025, and 8.3x when including estimated run-rate synergies [1] - For the 12 months ending June 30, 2025, the acquired business reported net sales of USD 261 million and a segment operating profit of USD 17 million [1] Strategic Implications - This acquisition aligns with Essity's strategy to focus on high-margin categories and strengthen its market position in the US, the largest hygiene market globally [1] - Essity aims to leverage its established success in the feminine care sector to grow the acquired brands [1]