Divestment of Russia Hygiene Business
Summary by AI BETAClose X
24 July 2026
Divestment of Russia Hygiene business
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc ("Reckitt") (LSE: RKT) has agreed to divest its Russian Hygiene business to Arnest Management LLC ("Arnest"). Russia Hygiene represented c.1% of Core Reckitt's Net Revenue in the year ended 31st December 2025. Subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including relevant UK regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to complete during the second half of 2026.
Reckitt retains ownership of the Russia Health business which continues to supply consumer health products.
ENDS
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1 The Russia Hygiene business is now being accounted for as Held for Sale, and as such will continue to contribute to Core Reckitt Like-for-Like Net Revenue until completion of the divestment.
2 As set out in Reckitt's Q1 Results 2026, the headwind from changing international sanctions impacting the Russia Hygiene business was c.200 basis points on Emerging Markets Like-for-Like Net Revenue in Q1. This impact is expected to continue at a similar level until the divestment completes.
3 As a result of restrictions applicable to exits from the Russian market and the expected economics of the transaction, the recoverable amount is limited. A post tax loss is expected to be recognised in the results for the full year ending 31 December 2026 of c.£175 million (of which c.£125 million will be recognised in the results for the six months ended 30 June 2026). The assets of the Russian Hygiene entity predominantly consist of cash which was previously reported as restricted.
4 The divestment is not expected to have any material impact on the delivery of Reckitt's Group Adjusted Operating Profit or Adjusted EPS in 2026. |
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For enquiries contact:
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Investors: |
Nick Ashworth |
+44 (0)7408 812350 |
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Jon Bone |
+44 (0)7408 811493 |
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Media: |
Richard Farnsworth |
+44 (0)7734 776317 |
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Will Hill |
+44 (0)7503 442453 |
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About Reckitt
We make the products people trust to care for the ones they love. We are home to some of the world's best-loved consumer health and hygiene brands, including Dettol, Durex, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mucinex, Nurofen, Strepsils, Vanish and Veet. Consumers are at the heart of everything we do. By creating innovative, science-backed solutions, we support people every day to live healthier lives. Reckitt exists to protect, heal and nurture in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. This commitment goes beyond the products we make. Through our actions, we expand access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities. We support the planet by reducing waste, conserving resources and driving sustainable innovation. We believe good health starts at home. With every action we take, we strive to make our consumers' lives easier, cleaner and healthier, to strengthen communities and to create a more sustainable future. Find out more or get in touch with us at www.reckitt.com.
*Reckitt is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies
About Russia Hygiene
Russia Hygiene includes a production facility near Moscow as well as locally owned brand intellectual property. Around 400 local employees will transfer as part of the divestment. Arnest will not acquire the intellectual property of any Reckitt global brands as part of the transaction.
About Arnest
Arnest is a Russian manufacturer of consumer goods, beverages and packaging. Russia Hygiene has worked with Arnest as part of a local co-production agreement since 2023. Arnest has an established track record of acquiring and managing the domestic Russian assets of multinational organisations.
IMPORTANT NOTICES
No statement in this announcement is intended as a profit forecast and no statement in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that the future earnings per share, profits, margins or cash flows of Reckitt following the transaction will necessarily match or be greater than the historical published earnings per share, profits, margins or cash flows of Reckitt.
This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect Reckitt's current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions including relating to Reckitt's business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth and strategies. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statement in this announcement may not occur. Forward looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as may be required by law or regulation, Reckitt undertakes no obligation to update any of its forward-looking statements.
Certain figures in this announcement have been subject to rounding.
This announcement does not constitute and should not be construed as, an offer to purchase or sell or issue securities, or otherwise constitute an inducement, invitation, commitment, solicitation or recommendation to any person to purchase, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire securities in Reckitt, or constitute an inducement to enter into any investment activity in any jurisdiction. Nothing contained in this announcement is intended to, nor shall it, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever and, in particular, must not be used in making any investment decision.
The distribution, publication, release or presentation of this announcement, in whole or in part, to or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted or prohibited by law or regulation. Recipients of this announcement are required to inform themselves of, and comply with, all restrictions or prohibitions in such jurisdictions. Any failure to comply with applicable requirements may constitute a violation of the laws and/or regulations of such jurisdictions.
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