Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (LSE: RKT) has completed the sale of its Russia Hygiene business to Arnest Management LLC, the company announced on 12 November 2026, following receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The transaction, first disclosed on 24 July 2026, marks a significant portfolio simplification for the consumer health and hygiene giant, which operates across more than 80 countries. Reckitt has confirmed the divestment is not expected to have any material impact on its Group Adjusted Operating Profit or Adjusted EPS for 2026, providing reassurance to investors on near-term earnings delivery.

Key Points

  • Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (LSE: RKT) — global consumer health and hygiene company founded in 1840
  • Divestment of Russia Hygiene business to Arnest Management LLC completed on 12 November 2026
  • Restated Q3 2026 LFL Net Revenue growth: Emerging Markets 9.8%, Core Reckitt 3.9%, Core Reckitt + MJN 3.8%
  • Investors should watch for updated full-year guidance incorporating the restated LFL revenue figures

Russia Hygiene Sale to Arnest Management LLC Closes After All Approvals Received

The completion follows Reckitt's initial announcement of the transaction on 24 July 2026, with the deal now fully closed after all required approvals were obtained. The buyer, Arnest Management LLC, has taken on the Russia Hygiene operations as Reckitt continues to streamline its global portfolio. Reckitt is home to internationally recognised brands including Dettol, Harpic, Finish, and Vanish, and sells approximately 30 million products daily across more than 80 countries. The Russia exit reflects a strategic reshaping of the group's footprint, though the company did not disclose the transaction value in the announcement.

Restated LFL Net Revenue Growth Figures Reflect Russia Hygiene Exclusion

In line with Reckitt's published Alternative Performance Measure policies for disposals completed during the year, the Russia Hygiene business will now be excluded from the group's Like-for-Like Net Revenue growth calculations. The restated figures show Q3 2026 Emerging Markets LFL growth of 9.8%, Core Reckitt at 3.9%, and Core Reckitt plus MJN at 3.8%. On a year-to-date basis through Q3 2026, Emerging Markets posted 10.2% LFL growth, Core Reckitt recorded 3.5%, and Core Reckitt plus MJN came in at 3.4%. These restated metrics provide investors with a cleaner comparative base going forward.

No Material Impact on Reckitt's 2026 Adjusted Operating Profit or Adjusted EPS Expected

Reckitt has explicitly stated that the divestment is not expected to have any material impact on the delivery of its Group Adjusted Operating Profit or Adjusted EPS for 2026. This guidance offers an important signal to shareholders concerned about earnings dilution from the disposal. The company employs around 36,000 people worldwide and operates across Germ Protection, Household Care, Intimate Wellness, and Self Care segments. Investors may be watching closely for Reckitt's next scheduled financial update to assess how the restated LFL figures feed into full-year performance commentary.