Reckitt Benckiser takes over Strepsils, Clearasil, Sweetax

New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) As a part of the global acquisition of Boots Healthcare International (BHI), Reckitt Benckiser, leading FMCG player in India, has acquired its former brands - Strepsils, Clearasil and Sweetex, which were being marketed and sold in India by Boots Piramal Joint Venture.

''These brands will substantially strengthen the company's position in both health care and personal care. Further, Reckitt Benckiser India has the ability and the commitment to grow and make significant changes in brand development and distribution to these strong brands,'' RBIL Chairman and Managing Director Chander Mohan Sethi said.

Reckitt Benckiser had announced the acquisition of BHI, at an estimated 1,926 million pounds in cash in October 2005.

On the completion of the international acquisition on February 1, 2006, Mr Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer of Reckitt Benckiser, had commented, ''We are excited at getting the ownership of BHI. It will give us a platform for additional growth at very attractive margins. BHI brings power brands like Strepsils and Clearasil whose distribution can be substantially expanded over time.'' RBIL has brands like Harpic and Mortein. In Health Care, Reckitt Benckiser already has Disprin, Colsprin, Fybogel and Gelora brands in India. Dettol is their brand, which was introduced as an antiseptic liquid, subsequently expanding to soaps, handwash, bodywash, plaster and shaving cream.

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