Essity's agreement to acquire Kenvue's feminine care business in Brazil includes the market-leading brands Carefree, Sempre Livre and o.b.
Aug. 20, 2026 - Essity has entered into an agreement to acquire Kenvue's feminine care business in Brazil, including the market-leading brands Carefree, Sempre Livre and o.b. The purchase price amounts to USD 284 million (approximately SEK 2.7bn) on a cash and debt-free basis.
The acquisition is structured as an asset purchase from certain Kenvue subsidiaries and includes ownership of the Carefree, Sempre Livre and o.b. brands for sanitary pads, liners and tampons, as well as related manufacturing equipment in Brazil. For the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2026, the acquired business had net sales of approximately BRL 800 million (approximately SEK 1.4bn) with good profitability.
According to Essity, Brazil is one of the world's largest hygiene markets and the fourth-largest feminine care market. Essity is currently a market leader in incontinence products in Brazil with its TENA brand, including a production facility in Jarinu, and has an established presence in the categories Professional Hygiene and Medical Solutions.
"With this acquisition we establish a strong position in feminine care in Brazil and it marks another step in our strategy to grow in our most value-creating categories," said Ulrika Kolsrud, President and CEO of Essity. "Brazil represents a significant growth opportunity in hygiene and health, where we already hold a leading position in incontinence products.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in Brazil and other customary closing conditions as well as the completion of the Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue transaction and is expected to close during the second quarter of 2027.
In February 2026, Essity completed the acquisition of the Carefree, Stayfree and o.b. brands in North America from Edgewell Personal Care.
Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa.
SOURCE: Essity