Burt’s Bees Goes Corporate With Clorox

OAKLAND, Calif. — Clorox Co. here will acquire Burt’s Bees, Morrisville, N.C., for $925 million by the end of this year, Clorox reported this week. Reminiscent of last year’s acquisition of Tom’s of Maine, Kennebunk, Maine, by Colgate-Palmolive, New York, the deal will enable Clorox to enter into the $6.4 billion U.S. natural personal care market. “This acquisition allows us to enter a growing market that’s consistent with consumer megatrends,” said Donald Knauss, chairman and chief executive officer of Clorox, referring to the company’s strategy to pursue growth in areas aligned with health and wellness, sustainability, convenience and a more multicultural marketplace. Clorox will expand Burt’s Bees distribution both in the U.S. and internationally; the smaller company will remain headquartered in North Carolina.

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