Durex Owner Sells Part of Russian Business

British company Reckitt Benckiser, owner of brands such as Vanish, Finish, Veet, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, and Durex, has reached an agreement to sell its Russian hygiene business to Arnest Management. The company anticipates a $233 million loss from the deal, as reported by Reuters.

The agreement includes a production site near Moscow, intellectual property rights for local brands, and the transfer of approximately 400 employees to Arnest. Rights to Reckitt's global brands are not part of this transaction. The company will retain its Health division in Russia, which will continue to supply health products to the Russian market.

Due to Russian restrictions on foreign companies exiting the market, Reckitt will receive limited proceeds from the sale. The group expects to recognize a post-tax loss of $233 million by the end of 2026.