Kimberly-Clark to Acquire Tylenol and Band-Aid Maker in Major Merger
Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, has been at the center of a disputed claim that it is linked to autism. Scott Olson/Getty Images North America
Kimberly-Clark, the company behind Huggies and Kleenex, is set to acquire Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol and Band-Aids, in a significant $49 billion deal. This acquisition comes amidst a challenging period for Kenvue, following claims from the Trump administration linking acetaminophen, Tylenol’s active ingredient, to autism, a claim Kenvue has strongly denied due to insufficient scientific support.
This merger will enhance Kimberly-Clark’s portfolio with several well-known brands, including Band-Aid, Listerine, Neutrogena, and Aveeno. Kimberly-Clark CEO Mike Hsu stated in a recent announcement that the merger of these “iconic companies” will form “a global health and wellness leader.”
The partnership aims to cater to consumers at every life stage, leveraging Kenvue’s established connections with dermatologists, dentists, and pediatricians. This strategic move is part of Kimberly-Clark’s effort to compete with Procter & Gamble, a major player across various consumer health sectors.
Kenvue, which was spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, had seen its stock value decline significantly this year. However, the announcement of the merger spurred a 17% increase in Kenvue’s stock, while Kimberly-Clark’s shares saw a 12% drop.
