Copyright MassLive
The maker of popular brands like Huggies and Kleenex announced Monday that it’s acquiring the company behind Tylenol in a massive $48.7 billion deal. The transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of 2026, will be a combination of cash and stock. The merger sees Kimberly-Clark, the maker of hygienic products, acquire Kenvue, the consumer company behind Tylenol. This deal will bring together “two iconic American companies” possessing $10 billion brands, like Huggies and Kleenex, and is projected to create a combined company of approximately $32 billion in annual net revenue, the companies said in a statement. “Our combination with Kimberly-Clark unites two highly complementary portfolios filled with iconic, beloved brands and everyday essentials that people trust and count on throughout their lives,” Chief Executive Officer of Kenvue Kirk Perry said in a statement. “Our teams share a passion for delivering science-backed solutions that play a meaningful role in homes and communities around the world. Kenvue’s shareholders will receive $3.50 per share and 0.15 Kimberly-Clark shares for each Kenvue share held. Once the deal closes, Kimberly-Clark Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mike Hsu will take over as CEO and chairman of the combined company. Kimberly-Clark received committed financing from JPMorgan Chase Bank and plans to fund Kenvue’s purchase through a combination of cash and debt. “Over the last several years, Kimberly-Clark has undertaken a significant transformation to pivot our portfolio to higher-growth, higher-margin businesses while rewiring our organization to work smarter and faster,” Hsu said in the statement. “We have built the foundation and this transaction is a powerful next step in our journey.” The news comes after President Donald Trump promoted unproven and in some cases discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism. The announcement, which appeared to rely on existing studies rather than significant new research, came as the Make America Healthy Again movement has been pushing for answers on the causes of autism. The coalition of supporters of Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. includes several anti-vaccine activists who have long spread debunked claims that immunizations are responsible. The announcement also sheds light on Trump’s own long-held fascination with autism and his trepidation about the childhood vaccine schedule, even as the president has taken pride in his work to disseminate COVID-19 vaccines during his first term. Kenvue did not respond to MassLive’s request for comment regarding how Tylenol has been a political issue due to the Trump administration’s claims.
