The German consumer goods company Henkel, known for brands such as Schwarzkopf, Syoss, Fa, and Persil, plans to end its operations in Russia in the first quarter of the year. This move comes from statements by the group’s CEO in recent interviews. The intention is to complete the sale of Henkel’s Russia business by March, with final negotiations ongoing as the process moves toward closure. The executive described the exit as a highly intricate transaction, noting that multiple sellers and buyers are involved to finalize the agreement. [Source]
Earlier reporting suggested that Henkel would continue to operate in the Russian market as an independent entity under a different name starting in early 2023. Analysts highlighted that the original owner may not yet have completed the sale, while Western sanctions and market conditions have influenced the deal dynamics. Some industry observers estimated a fair transaction price in the hundreds of millions of euros, though the exact figure would depend on the evolving sanctions landscape and commercial terms. There was speculation that parts of the Russian business might be divested separately, with a total valuation that could be restrained by regulatory and geopolitical considerations. [Source]
In later remarks, Henkel signaled a broad plan to withdraw from the Russian market. The company stated that, given the current events, it would cease activities in Russia and that the exit process was being prepared. The German group emphasized a commitment to its workforce, indicating that efforts would be made to support employment for thousands of Russian workers during the transition. [Source]