THE WHAT? Unilever has agreed to sell its Welly first-aid brand to private-equity firm Forward Consumer Partners as part of its ongoing strategy to streamline its portfolio and focus on core beauty, personal care and household categories.
THE DETAILS Unilever acquired Welly in 2021 and has operated the brand within its Beauty and Wellbeing division, alongside Dove, Vaseline and Liquid I.V. The business specialises in adhesive bandages, first-aid kits and skin relief products. Financial terms of the sale have not been disclosed. Under the agreement, Welly founder Eric Ryan is expected to return as a strategic adviser and board member. The disposal follows Unilever’s wider portfolio restructuring, including its ice-cream separation, planned food business merger with McCormick and acquisition agreement for supplements brand Grüns.
THE WHY? The transaction reflects Unilever’s continued efforts to simplify its business portfolio and concentrate investment on higher-priority beauty, personal care and wellness categories. The sale also highlights private-equity interest in established consumer brands with opportunities for independent growth.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
