INDIA – AO Smith India, a water technology company, has successfully completed its acquisition of Hindustan Unilever’s (HUL) water purification business, Pureit, for approximately US$120 million, subject to customary adjustments.
The acquisition broadens AO Smith’s portfolio in residential water treatment solutions and enhances its distribution presence in the Indian market.
Kevin J. Wheeler, chairman and CEO of AO Smith, noted that Pureit’s strong e-commerce capabilities align with AO Smith’s growth strategy.
“This acquisition allows us to add scale and strengthens our premium water treatment product portfolio,” he stated. Pureit’s established brand reputation in the residential water purification market complements AO Smith’s premium offerings, expanding the company’s reach across South Asia and other regions.
Launched in 2004 in Chennai, Pureit has delivered safe drinking water solutions across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Mexico.
With an extensive product line that includes water purifiers, filters, and accessories, Pureit generated a turnover of Rs293 crore (US$34.8M) in the financial year ending March 31, 2024.
In July, HUL announced the sale of Pureit for Rs601 crore (US$72 million) as part of a regulatory filing. Although part of HUL’s Home Care business, Pureit’s net worth was not separately tracked by the company.
Sreenivas Narayanan, general manager of Pureit, highlighted the strategic advantage of the partnership, saying, “Aligning with AO Smith enables us to enhance water purification offerings while maintaining our commitment to quality and customer trust.”
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