SC Johnson sells skin care business

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Friday, December 18, 1998 3:00 AM CST

RACINE SC Johnson announced Thursday the signing of an agreement to sell its dermatological skin care business to Johnson & Johnson of New Brunswick, N.J.

Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed and the acquisition is subject to clearance under anti-trust laws.

The SC Johnson dermatological business is led by the Aveeno brand, which was acquired in 1984.

The sale does not include SC Johnson's male and female shave preparation business, marketed in America under the Edge and Skintimate brands.

Besides the broad line of Aveeno products, other SC Johnson dermatological brands are Rhuli anti-itch products for relief from poison ivy and oak, insect bites, sunburn and other minor skin irritations; D-Seb antiseptics; Pentrax severe dandruff treatment shampoo; and Ricerca skin cosmetics.

Johnson & Johnson company group chairman Bernard W. Walsh stated the acquisition from SC Johnson would enhance its growth in the retail global skin care market, which is about $47 billion.

The company (NYSE: JNJ) recorded $22.6 billion in sales in 1997 and is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products as well as a provider of related services for the consumer, pharmaceutical and professional markets.

It has 94,000 employees and 180 operating companies in 51 countries, and sells products in more than 175 countries

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