Racine-based SC Johnson announced today it plans to acquire Westbury, New York-based baby product manufacturer Babyganics.
Babyganics, which has 50 employees, makes plant-based and organic household and personal care products for babies, including laundry detergent, multi-surface cleaner, bubble bath, dish soap, diapers and toothpaste. They are sold at major retailers like Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, Walgreens, Target and Babies “R” Us. Launched in 2008, it was listed at No. 1,540 on the Inc. 5000 list in 2014 with 277 percent growth over the previous three years and 2013 revenue of $30 million.
SC Johnson manufactures household cleaning, air care, pest control and storage products, including brands like Glade, Pledge, Raid, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Windex and Ziploc. The 130-year-old company, which generates $10 billion in sales, employs approximately 13,000 people globally, 2,200 of which are based in Racine, and sells products in virtually every country. It is in the midst of a $50 million to $80 million renovation to modernize its global headquarters campus in Racine and relocating 175 positions from Racine to Chicago this fall.
A company spokesperson said SC Johnson plans to keep Babyganics’ current staffing and facilities in the transaction, since there is no overlap with its current operations. Babyganics will continue to operate as a standalone business.
In recent years, SC Johnson has championed transparency in the chemical industry, disclosing all of its products’ ingredients beginning in 2010 and emphasizing sustainability at its Racine campus.
The pending acquisition still needs federal approval. The spokesperson could not provide a timeline for the transaction close.
SC Johnson declined to disclose the financial details of the transaction, citing its status as a private company. The spokesperson did say the acquisition is a good strategic fit because it provides the company with access to the growing Specialty Baby Care category.
“We have great admiration for the Babyganics products and their leadership,” said Fisk Johnson, chairman and chief executive officer of SC Johnson, in a statement. “They are one of the fastest growing private companies and their unique and innovative products are a great complement to our portfolio of trusted brands.”
