LOS ANGELES — Ansell, the manufacturer of Lifestyle condoms, has announced the sale of its Sexual Wellness business unit to Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co., Ltd. and CITIC Capital China Partners III, L.P.
Affected brands include Ansell, Blowtex, Jissbon, KamaSutra, LifeStyles, Manix, and Skyn.
According to Chris New, VP for North America of Ansell’s Sexual Wellness business unit, the operation is “a high-performing business demonstrating strong growth and profitability,” but notes it represents the smallest EBIT contributor to the company, following growth in other areas driven by recent acquisitions.
“As Ansell’s only business-to-consumer model, synergies with other Ansell global business units are limited,” New states. “The shared sentiment is that this new ownership will be better positioned to invest in the Sexual Wellness business and its employees.”
As for the motivation behind Ansell’s sell-off, New notes it “is focused on categories that complement and build on its world-leading hand and body protection capabilities,” and says the move is “part of an overall strategy to review our businesses in a disciplined way and concentrate our focus on segments Ansell can lead globally.”
“In line with this strategy,” New concludes, “the divestiture of Sexual Wellness allows Ansell to concentrate on its innovative core strength B2B businesses: Industrial, Medical, and Single Use.”
A transition date of Sept. 1 has been set.
For more information, call (800) 232-1309.
