Unilever’s Pureit Water Purification Business Acquired by A. O. Smith

(IN BRIEF) Unilever has agreed to sell its water purification business, Pureit, to A. O. Smith, a leading global water technology company. Pureit, which operates in countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Mexico, offers a range of water purification solutions. Eduardo Campanella, President of Unilever Home Care, stated that this sale aligns with Unilever’s strategy to focus on higher-growth areas. Kevin J. Wheeler, CEO of A. O. Smith, said the acquisition would enhance their premium product portfolio and increase market penetration in South Asia. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions, with Unilever managing Pureit until the transaction is completed.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 16-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A significant development in the global water technology sector was announced today as Unilever agreed to sell its water purification business, Pureit, to A. O. Smith, a prominent player in the industry. Pureit, known for its range of water purification solutions, serves markets across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Mexico, and others.

Eduardo Campanella, President of Unilever Home Care, highlighted the strategic importance of this move: “The sale of Pureit marks another milestone on our journey to evolve our portfolio towards higher-growth spaces, in line with our Growth Action Plan. Pureit provides essential water purification solutions to millions of loyal consumers, and I am confident the brand will thrive further under the ownership of A. O. Smith.”

A. O. Smith’s chairman and CEO, Kevin J. Wheeler, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We believe the addition of Pureit will strengthen our leadership position as a global supplier of premium water treatment products and double our market penetration in South Asia. The acquisition will also support our corporate strategy by enhancing our premium product portfolio and distribution capabilities. Pureit’s culture of innovation, strong brand recognition, and dedication to customer service will be an excellent addition to our premium brand positioning and broad product portfolio in the region. We look forward to welcoming the Pureit team to the A. O. Smith family.”

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, with Unilever continuing to manage the business until the completion of the transaction.

About Pureit
Pureit was first launched in Chennai in 2004 with the introduction of Pureit Classic, a first-of-its-kind gravity-based water purifier to provide accessible and safe drinking water to millions. It was launched nationwide in 2008. It entered the Electric Water purification segment in 2011 and further strengthened the portfolio in this segment.” Pureit continued to launch disruptive consumer-centric devices such as Copper RO – World’s first RO with patented Copper Charge™ technology in 2019. Later in 2022 and 2023, Pureit launched new platforms with FiltraPower™ and DURAViva™ technologies. Pureit operates in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Mexico, among others.

About A. O. Smith
Celebrating its 150th year of business, A. O. Smith Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AOS), the Company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.

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SOURCE: Unilever