Reckitt Benckiser Group plc

Reckitt stands as a global leader in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition, with a portfolio of iconic brands that have been trusted by consumers for generations. The company's mission is to protect, heal, and nurture people through its innovative products that address everyday health and hygiene needs. Reckitt's brands are category leaders in their respective segments, benefiting from strong consumer loyalty and widespread distribution networks.

The company operates through three core business segments: Health, Hygiene, and Nutrition. In the Health segment, Reckitt produces over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and wellness products. The Hygiene segment includes household cleaning products and disinfectants that have become essential in modern homes. The Nutrition segment focuses on infant formula and child nutrition products, though the company has been streamlining this portfolio in recent years.

Reckitt's success is built on its strategy of "innovation marketing" – combining increased marketing spend with continuous product innovation focused on consumer needs. This approach has enabled the company to maintain strong growth rates and market leadership positions across its key brands. Approximately 40% of Reckitt's revenue comes from products launched within the previous three years, demonstrating the company's commitment to innovation.

The origins of Reckitt trace back to two separate companies with rich histories. Reckitt & Colman was founded in 1840 in Hull, England, by Isaac Reckitt, initially producing starch and household chemicals. The company expanded significantly over the decades, acquiring Colman's mustard in 1938 and becoming a major player in the UK consumer goods market. Benckiser NV was founded in Germany in the 19th century, specializing in industrial and household cleaning products.

The merger between Reckitt & Colman plc and Benckiser NV in December 1999 created Reckitt Benckiser Group plc. The new company was led by CEO Bart Becht, who implemented a transformation strategy focusing on core brands and supply chain efficiency. Becht's "innovation marketing" approach proved highly successful, driving significant growth and market share gains.

The early 2000s saw several strategic acquisitions that expanded Reckitt's portfolio. In October 2005, the company purchased Boots Healthcare International for £1.9 billion, acquiring Nurofen analgesics, Strepsils sore throat lozenges, and Clearasil anti-acne treatments. In January 2008, Reckitt acquired Adams Respiratory Therapeutics for $2.3 billion, adding the Mucinex brand to its portfolio. The July 2010 acquisition of SSL International for £2.5 billion brought Durex condoms and Scholl footcare products into the Reckitt family.

In September 2011, Rakesh Kapoor succeeded Bart Becht as CEO, continuing the company's growth trajectory. Under Kapoor's leadership, Reckitt acquired Schiff Nutrition for $1.4 billion in November 2012, adding vitamins and nutritional supplements including Move Free and Airborne. The company also spun off its speciality pharmaceuticals business into Indivior in December 2014.

The February 2017 acquisition of Mead Johnson for $16.6 billion marked Reckitt's entry into the infant formula market, significantly expanding its nutrition business. However, the company later streamlined its portfolio, selling its food brands to McCormick in 2017 and refocusing on health, hygiene, and nutrition.

Laxman Narasimhan became CEO in September 2019, implementing a turnaround strategy to rejuvenate the company following challenges in the late 2010s. In March 2021, the company rebranded from RB to Reckitt, introducing a new logo and visual identity to reflect its strategic purpose.