Ansell in €600m deal to acquire Kimberly-Clark PPE business

Richmond, Australia – Ansell Ltd is to acquire 100% of Kimberly-Clark’s Personal Protective Equipment business (KCPPE) for $640 million (€590 million).

The to-be acquired business encompasses personal protective products, including gloves, protective apparel and safety eyewear, said Ansell's 8 April announcement.

The acquisition is expected to complete by September 2024, subject to the deal gaining antitrust approvals and other 'customary' closing conditions.

“For many years, we have assessed a combination with KCPPE as one of our most attractive acquisition opportunities,” said Ansell managing director and CEO Neil Salmon.

Under Ansell’s ownership, added Salmon, the acquired business will be on “the optimal path forward.”

In particular, Ansell expects to enhance sales of specialist products designed for clean-room applications, currently under the group’s life sciences business unit.

The deal will also widen its portfolio of products for scientific verticals, such as manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, semi-conductors and laboratories.

KCPPE’s gloves portfolio includes ‘thin-mil and structured’ general-purpose, chemical resistant, single-use products for applications ranging from food processing to manufacturing facilities.

The acquired business’ customer base is global, with the majority of sales in North America, Ansell's statement further noted.

Producing over 9 billion gloves/year, Ansell defines itself as a “diversified global leader in hand and body protection solutions.”

The Australian group comprises a healthcare global business unit (HGBU) with annual sales of US$904 million and a US$751-million turnover industrial global business unit (IGBU).

HGBU manufactures products for end uses in hospitals, surgical centres, dental surgeries, veterinary clinics, first response agencies, manufacturers, auto repair shops,  chemical plants, laboratories and life science  & pharm companies.

The portfolio includes surgical gloves, single use and examination gloves, clean and sterile gloves & garments, and consumables.

IGBU manufactures hand- and chemical-protective clothing solutions for industries including automotive, chemical, metal fabrication, machinery and equipment, food, construction, mining and oil & gas.