In Brief: Playtex
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Playtex: Looking to broaden OTC/H&BA portfolio through brand or company acquisitions, or by leveraging the Playtex name on new products in different categories, the company says. Hass, Wheat & Partners, which holds a 40% stake in Playtex, also is investigating strategic options for the company. The decision to further diversify may in part be a response to Procter & Gamble's April 9 announcement that it will acquire tampon category leader Tambrands. Playtex already is making headway in diversifying its revenue base -- for the first quarter of 1997, sun care (Banana Boat and BioSun) sales jumped 32.4% to $43.7 mil., representing 32% of the company's sales of $136.4 mil. The feminine care unit, on the other hand, slumped 32.7% to $39.1 mil., accounting for 28.7% of sales. In the year-earlier quarter, the segments represented 23.1% and 40.6% of sales, respectively...