Condom maker Reckitt expands into K-Y sexual lubricants

Britain's Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Durex condoms, is expanding into K-Y sexual lubricants, the consumer goods company revealed on Monday. The London-listed firm has agreed to buy global rights to the K-Y brand from McNEIL-PPC, Inc, a subsidiary of US rival Johnson & Johnson, for an undisclosed amount, it said in a statement. "K-Y, as a global leader in intimate lubricants with very high trust score among women, will sit alongside the Reckitt Benckiser powerbrand Durex to create a unique portfolio of brands in the sexual wellbeing category," it added. "Its addition will immediately transform RB's sexual well-being category in the USA and Brazil." Net sales of K-Y, which is sold in more than 50 countries, stood at above $100 million (72 million euros) last year, Reckitt said. The United States, Canada and Brazil accounted for the majority of K-Y's sales in 2013. No employees or fixed assets are included in the purchase, which is expected to complete in mid-2014.