3M to acquire product line from Beiersdorf

3M has said it is to acquire the Futuro health supports and compression hosiery product line from Beiersdorf.

Terms of the definitive agreement have not yet been disclosed.

Dr Gabi Sabongi, vice-president of consumer health care, new business ventures and research and development at 3M consumer and office business, said the addition of Futuro will “broaden” the company’s channels for consumer products.

“The Futuro product line brings an established, branded consumer platform to 3M’s existing consumer businesses and will expand our offering in the US, Australia, Europe and Asia,” he added.

Health supports are used by customers who participate in fitness, outdoor and sports activities, with the aforementioned range including wraps, braces and elastic bandages – which aim to provide compression support, heat retention and stability for sprains, strains, arthritis and muscle pain.

3M’s brands include Nexcare, Post-it, Scotch, Command and Scotchguard.

The company has worldwide sales of $24.5 billion (16.2 billion pounds) and operations in more than 60 countries – with products sold in nearly 200.

It employs 75,000 people – who are predominantly local to their workplace – and has 145 plant locations, with 63 per cent of the company total accounting for international (non-US) sales.