Reckitt Benckiser acquires K-Y

SLOUGH, England — Reckitt Benckiser announced that it would acquire global rights to personal lubricant brand K-Y from Johnson & Johnson. The transaction is expected to close mid-2014.



K-Y started as a prescription medical device in 1917 before switching to the OTC category in 1980. K-Y will join Reckitt Benckiser brand Durex in the sexual wellness category.



Net sales of K-Y in 2013 totaled greater than $100 million. It is sold in more than 50 countries around the globe, with the United States, Canada and Brazil accounting for the top majority of 2013 sales.