Kenvue to Sell Feminine Care Business in Brazil to Essity

Kimberly-Clark (KMB) received approval from New Zealand’s Commerce Commission to acquire Kenvue, contingent on divesting Kenvue’s feminine hygiene business in NZ and Australia. The regulator cited competition concerns, requiring the sale to an approved buyer to maintain market competition. The deal is part of Kimberly-Clark’s global acquisition of Kenvue.

Kimberly-Clark's acquisition of Kenvue has been approved by New Zealand's antitrust regulator, subject to certain conditions. The deal is part of a global merger agreement between the two companies.

Colgate Palmolive India has named a Kenvue executive as its new Managing Director and CEO. The appointment is effective immediately, according to the company's announcement.

Colgate-Palmolive India appointed a former Kenvue executive as CEO, who previously worked at Colgate-Palmolive for nearly 13 years. The outgoing CEO will take a regional marketing role. During her tenure, the stock outperformed the Nifty FMCG index, but shares fell 1% after the announcement. The company's e-commerce sales are over 50% premium products, which can impact pricing and costs.

China's antitrust regulator has initiated a phase 2 review of Kimberly-Clark's $49 billion acquisition of Kenvue, according to traders. The deal is now under in-depth scrutiny by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).

Kenvue reported second-quarter adjusted EPS of 31 cents, slightly below Wall Street’s 32-cent estimate, and sales up 3% to $3.96 billion, just under $3.97 billion. Inflation, tariffs, and currency-related costs pressured margins, with adjusted gross margin at 60.2% vs 60.9% a year earlier. Kenvue expects $250 million in 2026 pre-tax restructuring charges and says Kimberly-Clark’s $40 billion buyout should close in Q4 2026.