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Essity acquires Edgewell’s Feminine Care business for USD 340 million
The transaction includes the Carefree, Stayfree, o.b., and Playtex brands, strengthening the company’s presence in the U.S. market.
Global hygiene and health company Essity has signed an agreement to acquire Edgewell Personal Care’s Feminine Care business, which includes the Carefree, Stayfree, and o.b. brands in North America, as well as Playtex globally. The purchase price amounts to USD 340 million (approximately SEK 3.2 billion), on a cash- and debt-free basis.
This acquisition supports Essity’s strategy to focus on high-margin categories and strengthen its position in the U.S. hygiene market, the largest in the world.
Through this asset purchase transaction, Essity will acquire Edgewell’s feminine hygiene products business, which includes pantyliners, pads, and tampons, along with a manufacturing plant in Dover, Delaware. The deal also grants global rights to the Playtex brand for feminine care products.
“I am excited to continue driving growth for these well-known brands, applying our proven success formula in the feminine care sector. With this acquisition, we are strengthening our Personal Care business in North America, aligned with our strategy to focus on high-margin categories in attractive markets,” said Ulrika Kolsrud, President and CEO of Essity.
The total purchase price of USD 340 million, on a cash- and debt-free basis, represents an EBITDA multiple as of June 30, 2025, of approximately 12.1x IFRS pro forma, and 8.3x including estimated short-term synergies.
For the twelve months ending June 30, 2025, the business reported net sales of USD 261 million (around SEK 2.5 billion) and an operating profit of USD 17 million (approximately SEK 160 million). It employs around 500 people, of whom approximately 450 work at the Dover, Delaware manufacturing plant.
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
Essity continues to strengthen its position as a fast-growing player in the feminine care category, with well-established regional brands such as Libresse, Bodyform, Nana, Saba, Libra, and Nosotras, offering a broad range of products including pads, pantyliners, tampons, intimate soaps, wipes, absorbent underwear, and menstrual cups.
