Reckitt Benckiser purchases product lines from Combe

Reckitt Benckiser has reached an agreement to purchase a number of health brands from consumer products manufacturer Combe.

The deal sees the health and personal care firm take control of Combe's cough/cold and skincare businesses, which encompasses product lines such as Cepacol, Lanacane, Scalpicin, LiceMD and Hemoal.

This transaction was overseen by financial adviser Morgan Stanley, while the law firm Sullivan and Cromwell acted as a legal adviser to Combe during the negotiations.

Christopher Combe, chairman and chief executive officer of Combe, explained that it has sold the units to Reckitt Benckiser in order to increase its focus on its other well-established products and forthcoming portfolio.

"We are very proud of our divested businesses and are excited about the future of these brands," he added.

In November 2010, Reckitt Benckiser completed its takeover of SSL International, the manufacturer of the Durex range of contraceptives.