Reckitt Benckiser has acquired Boots India brands - Strepsils, Clearsil and Sweetex - with effect from October 1, 2006.The multi-crore brands were being marketed and sold by Boots Piramal JV till September, this year. This follows REckitt's euro 1.9 billion (over Rs 10,950 crore) global acquisition of Boots Healthcare International last year."This is a monumental occasion for Reckitt Benckiser India as these brands will substantially strengthen Reckitt Benckiser's position in both healthcare and personal care."Further, Reckitt Benckiser India has the ability and the commitment to grow and make significant changes in brand development and distribution to these strong brands," Chander Mohan Sethi CMD of Reckitt Benckiser India, said.Reckitt Benckiser currently has brands like Dettol, Harpic, Mortein, etc. in India.In October 2005, Reckitt Benckiser had announced the acquisition of Boots Healthcare International (BHI), at an estimated euro 1.9 billion (over Rs 10,950 crore).On completion of the international acquisition on February 1 this year, Reckitt Benckiser CEO Bart Becht had said it gave the company a platform for additional growth at very attractive margins."BHI brings Power Brands like Strepsils and Clearsil whose distribution can be substantially expanded over time. In 2006, our major focus for this business will be on successful integration and extracting the promised synergies while gradually preparing the business for growth," he said.
