Reckitt Benckiser has agreed to divest its Russian hygiene business to Arnest Management LLC. The business represented around 1% of Core Reckitt's net revenue in the year ended 31 December 2025, and has been accounted for as held for sale pending completion.
The transaction is expected to complete in the second half of 2026, subject to customary conditions including relevant UK regulatory approvals. Reckitt said it will retain ownership of its Russia health business, which continues to supply consumer health products.
Reckitt said the divestment is not expected to have any material impact on its group adjusted operating profit or adjusted EPS for 2026. However, due to restrictions on exits from the Russian market and the expected economics of the transaction, the recoverable amount is limited. A post-tax loss of around £175 million is expected to be recognised in the full-year results to 31 December 2026, of which approximately £125 million will be recognised in the first half.
The company noted that changing international sanctions had created a headwind of around 200 basis points on emerging markets like-for-like net revenue in Q1 2026, an impact expected to continue at a similar level until the divestment completes. The Russian hygiene business will continue to contribute to Core Reckitt like-for-like net revenue until the transaction closes.
Reckitt agrees sale of Russian hygiene business to Arnest
