Who Owns Equate?
Equate is owned by Walmart Inc., a publicly traded American multinational retail corporation headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. As Walmart's flagship health and beauty private label, Equate has achieved 75% U.S. household penetration, making it the second most widely purchased store brand in America after Walmart's Great Value (86%). Originally created by L. Perrigo Company in 1986 and acquired by Walmart in 1993, Equate is part of Walmart's dominant private label portfolio that includes five brands with over 50% U.S. household penetration.
Parent Company
Walmart Inc.
Acquired
1993
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
Who Owns Equate?
- Parent Company: Walmart Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1993
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: WMT
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Equate | Walmart Inc. | Wholly owned |
History of Equate
- Founded: 1986
- Founders: L. Perrigo Company (original creator), Walmart (acquired 1993)
- Acquired by Walmart Inc.: 1993
Equate was originally created in 1986 by L. Perrigo Company, a Michigan-based pharmaceutical manufacturer that specialized in store brand over-the-counter medications. The brand was developed as a private label alternative to national brands in the health and beauty category.
In 1993, Walmart acquired the Equate brand from L. Perrigo Company, marking a significant expansion of Walmart's private label portfolio beyond groceries into health and beauty products. This acquisition allowed Walmart to offer customers affordable alternatives to national brand medications and personal care items.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Equate expanded its product range significantly, adding new categories including vitamins, supplements, feminine care, and an extensive line of beauty products. The brand became known for offering comparable quality to national brands at significant cost savings.
In recent years, Equate has continued to grow its product offerings, focusing on expanding into wellness categories, organic and natural products, and specialized health needs. The brand maintains its position as Walmart's primary health and beauty private label, generating billions in annual sales.
About Walmart Inc.
What does Walmart own?
Walmart Inc. owns and operates Walmart discount stores, Walmart Supercenters, Walmart Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club warehouse clubs in the United States. Internationally, Walmart owns a majority stake in Flipkart, India's leading e-commerce platform; Walmart Mexico (Walmex), the largest retailer in Mexico; Walmart Canada; and operations in Central America, Chile, China, and other markets. Walmart also owns Walmart+, its subscription membership service, and Walmart Connect, its retail media advertising network.
Is Walmart publicly traded?
Yes, Walmart Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker WMT. The company has been publicly listed since 1970. The Walton family, descendants of founder Sam Walton, collectively hold approximately 46% of Walmart's shares through Walton Enterprises LLC and other entities, giving them effective control over the company. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders.
Who founded Walmart?
Walmart was founded by Sam Walton, who opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas on July 2, 1962. Walton had previously operated Ben Franklin variety stores as a franchisee and had developed a deep understanding of retail operations. His concept was to offer a wide range of merchandise at consistently low prices in smaller towns underserved by larger retailers. Sam Walton died in April 1992 at the age of 74. The Walton family continues to hold a controlling stake in the company.
Where is Walmart headquartered?
Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, USA, where the company has been based since its founding. The company's global headquarters and principal executive offices are located in Bentonville. Walmart operates more than 10,500 stores and clubs across more than 20 countries, with its largest concentration of stores in the United States.
How many stores does Walmart operate?
Walmart operates more than 10,500 stores and clubs across more than 20 countries. In the United States, Walmart operates approximately 4,600 stores under the Walmart banner and approximately 600 Sam's Club locations. Internationally, Walmart operates stores in Mexico, Canada, China, Central America, Chile, and other markets, and holds a majority stake in Flipkart, India's leading e-commerce platform.
Who owns Walmart?
Walmart Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE, but the Walton family holds a controlling interest of approximately 46% of shares through Walton Enterprises LLC and other entities. The Walton family, descendants of founder Sam Walton, are among the wealthiest families in the world as a result of this stake. The remaining approximately 54% of shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders. Doug McMillon serves as President and CEO.
- Founded: 1962
- Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: WMT
Where Is Equate Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Various international locations
Brands Owned by Walmart Inc.
- Allswell - Walmart's direct-to-consumer mattress and bedding brand offering quality sleep p...
- Better Homes & Gardens - Licensed home goods brand available exclusively at Walmart, offering stylish fur...
- bettergoods - Walmart's elevated private label food brand launched in 2024, offering chef-insp...
- Durabrand - Walmart's private label electronics brand originally launched in 1999, offering ...
- Fabuloso - Walmart-owned multipurpose cleaner brand offering affordable and effective clean...
- Flipkart - Indian e-commerce platform owned by Walmart, offering online retail, electronics...
- Freshness Guaranteed - Walmart's fresh produce and perishable foods brand offering quality fruits, vege...
- George - Walmart's flagship clothing brand offering affordable and stylish apparel for me...
- Great Value - Walmart's private label brand offering affordable groceries and household produc...
- Mainstays - Walmart's primary private label brand offering affordable home furniture, beddin...
- Marketside - Walmart's fresh and prepared foods brand offering restaurant-quality deli items,...
- Ol' Roy - Walmart's private label dog food brand offering affordable dry and canned dog fo...
- onn - Walmart's private label consumer electronics brand offering affordable TVs, tabl...
- Parent's Choice - Walmart's private label baby products brand offering affordable diapers, wipes, ...
- Pen+Gear - Walmart's private label office supplies brand offering affordable paper, writing...
- The Pioneer Woman - Licensed kitchenware and home decor brand created by Ree Drummond, featuring rus...
- Protective - Walmart's private label cleaning supplies brand offering affordable household cl...
- Pure Balance - Walmart's pet food brand offering natural and nutritious food options for dogs a...
- Sam's Choice - Walmart's premium private label brand offering higher-quality groceries, beverag...
- Scoop - Walmart's laundry detergent brand offering affordable and effective cleaning sol...
- Simply Basic - Walmart's private label brand offering essential personal care and beauty produc...
- Spring Valley - Walmart's private label brand offering vitamins, supplements, and herbal product...
- Terra & Sky - Walmart's plus-size women's clothing brand offering stylish and comfortable appa...
- Time and Tru - Walmart's women's clothing brand offering stylish and affordable apparel with a ...
- Wonder Nation - Walmart's children's clothing brand offering durable, comfortable, and stylish a...
Equate Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Significant cost savings compared to national brand equivalents
- +Wide product availability across Walmart's extensive store network
- +Quality standards backed by Walmart's sourcing expertise
- +Comprehensive product range covering most health and beauty needs
- +FDA compliance and regulatory oversight for medications
- +Consistent availability and shelf space in Walmart stores
Considerations
- -Limited availability outside Walmart stores
- -Product selection may vary by region and store size
- -Dependency on Walmart's sourcing and quality control standards
- -Limited marketing and brand awareness beyond Walmart customers
- -Competition from other private labels and national brands
- -Regulatory requirements for over-the-counter medications
Frequently Asked Questions About Equate
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesWalmart Inc. Stock Information
Jobs at Walmart Inc.
Latest News About Equate
Related Articles About Equate
View more articlesBeauty Brand Acquisitions: What Changed After the Sale?
When big companies buy indie beauty brands, what actually changes? We examine real cases from CeraVe to Drunk Elephant to find out what happens next.
Who Owns Dove? The Unilever Beauty Empire Explained
Dove is owned by Unilever, acquired in 1957. Discover Unilever's beauty portfolio, acquisition strategy, and what it means for consumers in 2026.
Monthly M&A Roundup: February 2026 Brand Ownership Changes
From Keurig Dr Pepper's planned split to the Netflix-WBD saga, here is every major brand ownership change and deal in February 2026.