SHELTON, Conn. — Edgewell Personal Care Company has signed a definitive agreement to sell its feminine care business to Essity for $340 million, a move executives say will reshape the company’s strategy heading into 2026.
The divestiture encompasses the Playtex, Stayfree, Carefree, and o.b. brands in North America and the Caribbean, as well as global feminine care rights for Playtex. The transaction also includes a production facility in Dover, Delaware. Closing is expected in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Edgewell President and CEO Rod Little called the sale “a pivotal step in Edgewell’s transformation,” saying the decision reflects a disciplined focus on core strengths. “By selling our Feminine Care business to Essity, we are sharpening our focus on our core categories, strengthening our financial position, and positioning Edgewell for sustainable, long-term growth,” he said. “This is a win for our shareholders who will benefit from a more agile and focused company; for our customers, who will continue to receive innovative products and dedicated service; and for our employees, who will have new opportunities for growth and success with Essity, a global leader in health and hygiene.”
Essity President and CEO Ulrika Kolsrud said the acquisition advances the company’s ambitions in the U.S. market. “I’m excited to further grow these well-known brands by welcoming them into our bold and purpose-driven feminine care business,” she said. “With this acquisition, we are building a stronger personal care business in North America, in line with our strategy to focus on high-yielding categories in attractive geographies.”
Edgewell said it will work closely with Essity to ensure continuity throughout the transition and will provide certain services after the deal closes. Beginning in fiscal 2026, the feminine care unit will be classified as discontinued operations. The sale is expected to affect adjusted earnings by approximately 40 to 50 cents per share on an annualized basis, with much of the initial impact offset by income from transition support services.
