Kimberly-Clark has submitted a package of concessions to the European Commission aimed at easing competition concerns over its proposed $40 billion purchase of Kenvue. The filing, made under confidentiality rules, indicates that the U.S. firm is prepared to divest selected assets, though specific brands or business units were not disclosed.
The Commission responded by pushing back its decision deadline from Sept. 29 to Oct. 13, giving regulators additional time to assess the proposed remedies and to solicit comments from competitors and customers. No further detail on the feedback process was provided.
Kimberly-Clark, known for Kleenex tissues and Huggies diapers, would acquire Kenvue, whose portfolio includes over‑the‑counter staples such as Tylenol and Listerine as well as skin‑care brands Aveeno and Neutrogena. The transaction has already secured conditional approvals from competition authorities in Australia and South Africa. In Australia, approval was contingent on the divestiture of Kenvue’s Carefree and Stayfree period‑care brands.
The EU review remains the final major hurdle for the merger, which would combine two of the world’s largest consumer‑health and personal‑care companies. The Commission’s extended timeline suggests a thorough examination of market impacts before a final ruling is issued.
