Reckitt Benckiser, the Anglo-Dutch household products and drugs group, announced Wednesday that it has agreed to buy Durex condom maker SSL International for 2.54 billion pounds ($3.9 billion).

Reckitt said in a statement that the takeover will mark a "step change" for its health and personal care business.

The deal will bring together SSL's leading consumer goods brands, such as Durex condoms and Scholl footcare products, with Reckitt's Air Wick air fresheners, Nurofen headache treatments and Dettol surface cleaners.

"The acquisition of SSL will … change Reckitt Benckiser's global health and personal care business, which has been a key driver of Reckitt Benckiser's net revenue growth and profit progression," Reckitt chief executive Bart Becht said.

"The acquisition will add two new powerbrands, with good further growth potential, to Reckitt Benckiser's current arsenal, making 19 powerbrands in total," Becht said.

Becht also said that the takeover would enhance the scale and critical mass of Reckitt's business in China and Japan, adding that it would generate cost savings of 100 million pounds ($153 million) per year from 2012.

AFP