Essity acquires feminine care business in Brazil

August 20, 2026 - 12:38

Swedish hygiene and health company Essity has signed a deal to buy Kenvue's feminine care operations in Brazil, a move that brings well-known brands like Carefree, Sempre Livre, and o.b. under its umbrella. The transaction is valued at 284 million US dollars, which translates to roughly 2.7 billion Swedish kronor, on a cash and debt-free basis.

This purchase marks a significant step for Essity in Latin America, where it already holds a strong presence. By adding these brands to its lineup, the company is set to become the clear market leader in feminine care across the region. The Brazilian market is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world for personal care products, and this acquisition gives Essity a direct route to expand its reach with consumers who already trust these established names.

The deal is expected to close during the first half of next year, pending regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Essity's leadership has expressed confidence that the integration will go smoothly, noting that the acquired business aligns well with its existing operations in the country. The company sees this as a way to build on its commitment to providing high-quality hygiene products while also creating long-term value for shareholders. For now, Essity has not indicated any major changes to the current workforce or distribution networks tied to the acquired brands.