1st Feb 2006 07:00
1st February 2006 COMPLETION OF ACQUISITION OF BOOTS HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL Reckitt Benckiser plc (RB.L) today announced that the acquisition of BootsHealthcare International (BHI) has been completed with effect from 1st February2006.Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer of Reckitt Benckiser, commented today:-"We are excited at getting ownership of BHI. It will give us a platform foradditional growth at very attractive margins. BHI brings three new Power Brandsin Nurofen, Strepsils and Clearasil whose distribution can be substantiallyexpanded over time. In 2006, our major focus for this business will be onsuccessful integration and extracting the promised synergies while graduallypreparing the business for growth."Reckitt Benckiser is due to announce preliminary results for 2005 on Wednesday8th February.For Further Information Reckitt Benckiser plc Tel +44 (0) 1753 217 800Fiona Fong Head of Corporate Communications (press calls)Mark Wilson Corporate Controller & Investor Relations Manager (investor calls)Tim Spratt Financial Dynamics telephone +44 (0) 207 831 3113Note for EditorsOn 7th October 2005, Reckitt Benckiser announced the acquisition of BootsHealthcare International (BHI) from Boots Group PLC for a consideration of ‚£1,926 million in cash. The revenues of the combined Health and Personal Carebusiness will exceed ‚£1 billion, an increase of 80% and will represent c.25% ofthe enlarged Reckitt Benckiser. BHI brings 3 powerful brands: Nurofen, one ofEurope's leading brands of analgesic and leading ibuprofen brands; Strepsils,the global number 1 medicated sore throat brand and Clearasil, the globalnumber 1 anti acne brand, to combine with Reckitt Benckiser's Gaviscon andLemsip. The company will have a strong presence in the key categories ofanalgesics, cough/cold/flu, upper gastro-intestinal and medicated skincare.Reckitt Benckiser is the world leader in household cleaning, excluding laundry,and has a major presence in health and personal care. The Company is trulyglobal, with over 60 operating companies and over 40 manufacturing facilitiesworldwide and has sales in 180 countries. The Company employs 20,000 peoplearound the world. Reckitt Benckiser is headquartered in Slough just outsideLondon and is listed on the London stock exchange. With a market capitalizationof c.‚£13.5bn it ranks among the top 30 UK listed companies. Reckitt Benckiserhad net revenues of ‚£3.87bn, operating profit of ‚£770m, and net income of ‚£586min 2004.ENDRECKITT BENCKISER PLCRelated Shares:
RB..L