Kimberly-Clark has requested permission from EU regulators for its proposed $40 billion takeover of Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol. The deal, announced last November, is anticipated to close in the latter half of 2026 and is projected to yield $2.1 billion in annual cost savings.
The European Commission's approval is a critical step in Kimberly-Clark's $40 billion bid to acquire Kenvue, potentially reshaping the consumer health and personal care market and impacting competition and product availability.
Kimberly-Clark has officially sought approval from European Union regulators for its proposed $40 billion acquisition of Kenvue, the company behind brands like Tylenol, Listerine, Aveeno, and Neutrogena. Documents filed with the EU Commission indicate the request was made on August 28.
The takeover was initially announced in November of the previous year, with an expected closing date in the second half of 2026. Kimberly-Clark anticipates that the merger will result in significant cost savings, forecasting approximately $2.1 billion annually. The addition of Kenvue's extensive product portfolio is expected to contribute roughly $32 billion in annual revenues to the combined entity.
Regulatory processes for the merger are advancing globally, with shareholder approval secured and clearances obtained from India's CCI and New Zealand, albeit with a divestiture requirement. The EU's review is now underway.