Reckitt

{{main|Reckitt and Sons|Colman's}}

File:Stoke Holy Cross Mill - geograph.org.uk - 142445.jpg, England, the home of Colman's mustard from 1814 to 1862]]

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|image1 = Reckitt Benckiser logo.svg

|alt1= First Reckitt Benckiser logo, used from 1999 to 2009

|caption1= First logo, used from 1999 to 2009

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|alt2= Second Reckitt Benckiser logo, used from 2009 to 2014

|caption2= Second logo, circa 2009 to 2014

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|alt3= Third Reckitt Benckiser logo, used from 2014 to 2021

|caption3= Third logo, used from 2014 to 2021

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Johann Benckiser founded a business in Pforzheim, Germany, in 1823.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/may/09/reckitt-benckiser-shareholders-slash-stake|title=Reckitt Benckiser's largest shareholder to slash stake|date=9 May 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=22 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322134146/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/may/09/reckitt-benckiser-shareholders-slash-stake|url-status=live}} Its core business was industrial chemicals.{{cite web |url=http://www.rb.com/rb-worldwide/rb-history |title=Reckitt Benckiser History |publisher=Reckitt Benckiser |access-date=30 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407114031/https://www.rb.com/rb-worldwide/rb-history |archive-date=7 April 2014 }} Ludwig Reimann, a chemist, joined the business in 1828 and married Benckiser's daughter.{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/242db7ea-d1a8-11e5-831d-09f7778e7377|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211221230/https://www.ft.com/content/242db7ea-d1a8-11e5-831d-09f7778e7377|archive-date=11 December 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=Germany's intensely private and immensely wealthy Reimann family|work=Financial Times|date=11 March 2016|access-date=9 April 2017}} Benckiser died in 1851{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W_XFDQAAQBAJ&q=%22Johann+Adam+Benckiser%22&pg=PA604|title=Leopold Gmelin (1788–1853): Leben und Werk eines Heidelberger Chemikers|first=Petra|last=Stumm|page=604|publisher=Centaurus Verlag & Media|year=2012|isbn=978-3-86226-179-6|access-date=16 October 2020|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921184804/https://books.google.com/books?id=W_XFDQAAQBAJ&q=%22Johann+Adam+Benckiser%22&pg=PA604#v=snippet&q=%22Johann%20Adam%20Benckiser%22&f=false|url-status=live}} and the business came under Reimann's ownership. Reimann opened a new chemical plant and, in 1858, moved it to Ludwigshafen. Under Reimann's descendants the business grew rapidly in the latter half of the 20th century: it acquired Coty, Inc., a North American beauty products manufacturer, in 1992.{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-05-fi-1444-story.html | title=Pfizer Selling Its Coty Unit to German Company : Restructuring: The divestiture will allow the pharmaceutical firm to focus on health care. | work=Los Angeles Times | date=5 May 1995 | access-date=23 July 2015 | archive-date=21 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921184804/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-05-fi-1444-story.html | url-status=live }} Benckiser's other products included Vanish and Cillit Bang. It went public in 1997.{{cite journal|last1=Forbes|first1=Bertie|year=1999|title=Forbes|journal=Forbes|volume=164|issue=1–4|page=53|publisher=Forbes Incorporated|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sSO8AAAAIAAJ&q=Benckiser+public+in+1997|access-date=13 April 2013|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921184804/https://books.google.com/books?id=sSO8AAAAIAAJ&q=Benckiser+public+in+1997|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9990589/Ex-Reckitt-boss-Bart-Becht-swaps-Mr-Sheen-for-coffee.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9990589/Ex-Reckitt-boss-Bart-Becht-swaps-Mr-Sheen-for-coffee.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Ex-Reckitt boss Bart Becht swaps Mr Sheen for coffee|access-date=13 April 2013|work=The Daily Telegraph| date=12 April 2013|location=London|first=Rachel|last=Cooper}}{{cbignore}}

Reckitt & Sons started in 1840 when Isaac Reckitt rented a starch mill in Hull, England. He diversified into other household products and after his death in 1862, the business passed to his three sons.{{cite web |url=http://www.rb.com/rb-worldwide/rb-history |title=Reckitt Benckiser History |publisher=Reckitt Benckiser |access-date=19 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407114031/https://www.rb.com/rb-worldwide/rb-history |archive-date=7 April 2014 }} In 1886, Reckitt opened its first overseas business in Australia. The firm was first listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1888. Harpic Lavatory Cleaners was acquired in 1932, and that same year, Dettol was launched.

In 1938, Reckitt & Sons merged with J. & J. Colman, which had been founded in 1814 when Jeremiah Colman began milling flour and mustard in Norwich, England, to become Reckitt & Colman Ltd. The company made several acquisitions, including the Airwick and Carpet Fresh brands (1985),{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q87vukS10s4C&q=reckitt+buys+Air+Wick+1985&pg=PA29|title=Creating Powerful Brands|first=Leslie|last=De Chernatony|page=29|publisher=Elsevier|year=1992|isbn=978-1-85617-849-5|access-date=16 October 2020|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921184911/https://books.google.com/books?id=q87vukS10s4C&q=reckitt+buys+Air+Wick+1985&pg=PA29#v=snippet&q=reckitt%20buys%20Air%20Wick%201985&f=false|url-status=live}} the Spanish cleaning products company Camp (1989),{{cite web|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1989/07/16/economia/616543203_850215.html|title=La firma alemana Benckiser compra jabones Camp por 30.000 millones|work=El País|date=16 July 1989|access-date=30 October 2022|archive-date=30 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030145258/https://elpais.com/diario/1989/07/16/economia/616543203_850215.html|url-status=live}} the Boyle-Midway division of American Home Products (1990),{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-03-fi-850-story.html|title=Companies Considering Takeovers Now Look to the Global Market : Investment: The junk bond fueled frenzy of the '80s is over. Companies are putting up more equity and not looking just for quick profits.|date=3 July 1990|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021073212/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-03-fi-850-story.html|url-status=live}} and the Lehn & Fink division of Sterling Drug, maker of Lysol disinfectant (1994). The Lehn & Fink purchase doubled Reckitt & Colman's American business in one stroke.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/09/30/solid-player-leaps-to-big-leagues-with-lysol-buy/|title=Solid Player Leaps To Big Leagues With Lysol Buy|date=30 September 1994|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921184805/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/09/30/solid-player-leaps-to-big-leagues-with-lysol-buy/|url-status=live}} It acquired several brands from DowBrands in 1998.{{cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/1998/01/sc-johnson-agrees-sell-assets-settle-ftc-charges|title=S.C. Johnson Agrees to Sell Assets to Settle FTC Charges|date=23 January 1998|publisher=Federal Trade Commission|access-date=9 April 2017|archive-date=24 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124093938/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/1998/01/sc-johnson-agrees-sell-assets-settle-ftc-charges|url-status=live}}

Reckitt & Colman also made several divestments during this time, including the fine arts and graphical products (with brands such as Winsor & Newton) and Conimex Dutch food business in 1990, Colman's of Norwich UK food business and Robinsons soft drink products in 1995, and Keen's Australian and Canadian food business in 1998.{{cite web |publisher=Reckitt & Colman |title=Annual Report 1990 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00527217/filing-history/NjgxMDI3NzRhZGlxemtjeA/document?format=pdf&download=0 |access-date=2 August 2023 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921184805/https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00527217/filing-history/NjgxMDI3NzRhZGlxemtjeA/document?format=pdf&download=0 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|publisher=Reckitt & Colman|title=Annual Report 1995|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00527217/filing-history/MjA1Mzg0MzFhZGlxemtjeA/document?format=pdf&download=0|access-date=2 August 2023|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921184810/https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00527217/filing-history/MjA1Mzg0MzFhZGlxemtjeA/document?format=pdf&download=0|url-status=live}}

The company was formed by a merger between Britain's Reckitt & Colman plc and the Dutch company Benckiser NV in December 1999. Bart Becht became CEO of the new company and has been credited for its transformation, focusing on core brands and improving efficiency in the supply chain. The new management team's strategy of "innovation marketing" – a combination of increased marketing spend and product innovation, focusing on consumer needs – has been linked to the company's ongoing success. For example, in 2008, the company's "rapid succession of well publicised new product variants" were credited for helping them "to capture shoppers' imagination".{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/jul/28/reckittbenckiser |title=Reckitt Benckiser revenue up 20% |date=28 July 2008 |author=Simon Bowers |work=The Guardian |access-date=20 December 2012 |location=London |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425162707/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/jul/28/reckittbenckiser |url-status=live }} Business Week has also noted that "40% of Reckitt Benckiser's $10.5 billion in 2007 revenues came from products launched within the previous three years."{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2008-04-23/reckitt-benckiser-cleans-upbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818145232/http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2008-04-23/reckitt-benckiser-cleans-upbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 August 2012 |title=Reckitt Benckiser Cleans Up |date=23 April 2008 |author=Mark Scott |work=Business Week |access-date=20 December 2012 }}

In October 2005, Reckitt purchased the over-the-counter drugs manufacturing business of Boots, Boots Healthcare International, for £1.9 billion. The three main brands acquired were Nurofen's analgesics, Strepsils sore throat lozenges, and Clearasil anti-acne treatments.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4318088.stm |title=Reckitt Benckiser buys Boots unit |date=7 October 2005 |work=BBC News |access-date=20 December 2012 |archive-date=9 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909054255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4318088.stm |url-status=live }} In January 2008, Reckitt acquired Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company, for $2.3 billion; one of the major brands acquired was Mucinex.{{cite web |url=http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-1/Reckitt-Benckiser-Completes-Acquisition-of-Adams-Respiratory-Therapeutics--Inc--10456-1/ |title=Reckitt Benckiser Completes Acquisition of Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, Inc. |date=30 January 2008 |publisher=Biomedicine |access-date=20 December 2012 |archive-date=15 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215165420/http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-1/Reckitt-Benckiser-Completes-Acquisition-of-Adams-Respiratory-Therapeutics--Inc--10456-1/ |url-status=dead }} Reckitt acquired SSL International, the manufacturer of Durex condoms and Scholl's footcare products, for £2.5 billion in July 2010.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-10708737|title=Durex maker SSL agrees £2.5bn bid from Cillit Bang firm|work=BBC News|date=21 July 2010|access-date=21 July 2010|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512155008/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-10708737|url-status=live}}

In January 2011, Reckitt purchased Combe's cold remedy/skin care business.{{cite web|url=https://hbw.pharmaintelligence.informa.com/-/media/supporting-documents/otc-bulletin-pdfs/2011/otc-bulletin-355.pdf|title=Reckitt Benckiser grows in US with Combe brands|date=3 January 2011|publisher=OTC Bulletin|access-date=10 December 2020|archive-date=12 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712110513/https://hbw.pharmaintelligence.informa.com/-/media/supporting-documents/otc-bulletin-pdfs/2011/otc-bulletin-355.pdf|url-status=live}}

In September 2011, Bart Becht retired as CEO of Reckitt Benckiser, being replaced by executive vice-president of Category Development, Rakesh Kapoor, who had played a key role in recent acquisitions.{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_dettol-maker-appoints-indian-as-its-global-head_1532053 |title=Dettol-maker appoints Indian as its global head |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=18 June 2012 |archive-date=2 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002185421/http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_dettol-maker-appoints-indian-as-its-global-head_1532053 |url-status=live }}

On 27 August 2011, Reckitt recalled all remaining stock of its major analgesic product, Nurofen Plus, after packs were found to contain an antipsychotic drug.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14685629|title=BBC News: Reckitt Benckiser Product recall|work=BBC News|access-date=27 August 2011|date=27 August 2011|archive-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621005317/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14685629|url-status=live}} It turned out that this was the work of a codeine addict who had been stealing the pills and replacing them with his anti psychotic medication.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/may/28/nurofen-tampering-codeine-addict-jailed|title=Nurofen tampering: codeine addict jailed for 18 months|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|date=28 May 2012|access-date=22 January 2013|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426161747/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/may/28/nurofen-tampering-codeine-addict-jailed|url-status=live}}

In November 2012, Reckitt acquired Schiff Nutrition, a Salt Lake City-based manufacturer of vitamins and nutritional supplements including Digestive Advantage, MegaRed, Airborne, and Move Free, for US$1.4 billion (£877 million).{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9695044/Reckitt-Benckiser-buys-Schiff-Nutrition-in-1.4bn-deal.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9695044/Reckitt-Benckiser-buys-Schiff-Nutrition-in-1.4bn-deal.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Reckitt Benckiser buys Schiff Nutrition in $1.4bn deal|access-date=30 December 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=22 November 2012|location=London}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/nov/22/reckitt-benckiser-nutrition|title=Reckitt Benckiser buys Schiff Nutrition|access-date=30 December 2012|work=The Guardian|date=22 November 2012|location=London|first=Nadine|last=Schimroszik|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212659/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/nov/22/reckitt-benckiser-nutrition|url-status=live}} In December 2014, Reckitt spun off its speciality pharmaceuticals business, which produces Suboxone (an opioid withdrawal medication), into a separate company named Indivior.{{cite web|url=https://www.rb.com/rb-complete-demerger-of-indivior|title=RB complete demerger of Indivior|work=RB|access-date=21 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329132943/http://www.rb.com/rb-complete-demerger-of-indivior|archive-date=29 March 2015}}

In 2014, Reckitt Benckiser dropped its full name in favour of the RB brand. According to Kapoor, the old name was "a bit of a mouthful" and the name change would make life easier.'{{Cite news|title = The 30 Second Briefing – RB (Reckitt Benckiser)|last = Chesters|first = Laura|date = 25 July 2014|newspaper = The i|page = 48}}

In February 2017, the company bid $16.7 billion for the American infant formula maker Mead Johnson.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/deals-day-idUSL4N1FN2KN|title=Deals of the day-Mergers and acquisitions|date=2 February 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=10 April 2017|archive-date=9 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409232758/http://www.reuters.com/article/deals-day-idUSL4N1FN2KN|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last2=Dana|first2=Cimilluca|date=1 February 2017|title=Reckitt Benckiser Is in Talks to Buy Mead Johnson|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/reckitt-benckiser-is-in-talks-to-buy-mead-johnson-1485990274?tesla=y|journal=The Wall Street Journal|location=New York City|last1=Dana|first1=Mattioli|access-date=4 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202082056/https://www.wsj.com/articles/reckitt-benckiser-is-in-talks-to-buy-mead-johnson-1485990274?tesla=y|url-status=live}} In February 2017, Reckitt Benckiser announced it had bought Mead Johnson for $16.6 billion.{{cite journal|last=Chaudhuri|first=Saabira|date=10 February 2017|title=Reckitt Benckiser to Buy Mead Johnson for $16.6 Billion|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/british-consumer-goods-company-reckitt-benckiser-to-buy-baby-food-maker-mead-johnson-for-16-6-billion-1486710559?tesla=y|journal=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=12 February 2017|archive-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211155057/https://www.wsj.com/articles/british-consumer-goods-company-reckitt-benckiser-to-buy-baby-food-maker-mead-johnson-for-16-6-billion-1486710559?tesla=y|url-status=live}} To effect the transaction, Reckitt Benckiser incorporated a subsidiary in Delaware into which Mead Johnson Nutrition would be transferred, with Mead Johnson Nutrition being the sole surviving entity at completion.{{cite web|url=http://phcc.gov.ph/commission-decision-08-m-008-2017-acquisition-reckitt-benckiser-group-plc-mead-johnson-nutrition-company/|title=Commission Decision 08-M-008 2017: Acquisition by Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc. of Mead Johnson Nutrition Company – Philippine Competition Commission|publisher=phcc.gov.ph|language=en-US|access-date=8 May 2017|archive-date=26 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426180503/http://phcc.gov.ph/commission-decision-08-m-008-2017-acquisition-reckitt-benckiser-group-plc-mead-johnson-nutrition-company/|url-status=dead}} Following the acquisition of Mead Johnson, Reckitt Benckiser split its business into two divisions: consumer healthcare, and home and hygiene. While some expert analysts viewed this move as a precursor to a possible sale of the home division, Kapoor said that it was only to improve the performance of each of the divisions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-reckitt-benc-grp-outlook/reckitt-cuts-full-year-outlook-after-third-quarter-sales-fall-idUSKBN1CN0KF|title=Reckitt to reshape as sales growth evaporates|date=18 October 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=28 January 2018|archive-date=21 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421162926/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-reckitt-benc-grp-outlook/reckitt-cuts-full-year-outlook-after-third-quarter-sales-fall-idUSKBN1CN0KF|url-status=live}}

In July 2017, McCormick acquired Reckitt's food brands, including French's Mustard & Frank's RedHot, for $4.2 billion, subject to regulatory approval.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/business/dealbook/mccormick-frenchs-mustard-franks-red-hot-sauce.html|title=McCormick to Buy French's Mustard in $4.2 Billion Deal|last=Bray|first=Chad|date=19 July 2017|work=New York Times|access-date=19 July 2017|quote=Reckitt Benckiser has moved away from the food business in recent years and increasingly focused on consumer health products....|url-access=subscription |archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220201/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/business/dealbook/mccormick-frenchs-mustard-franks-red-hot-sauce.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2017/07/18/mccormick-to-add-frenchs-mustard-franks-redhot-in.html|title=McCormick to add French's mustard, Frank's RedHot in $4.2 billion deal|last=Sharrow|first=Ryan|date=18 July 2017|work=Baltimore Business Journal|access-date=19 July 2017|quote=McCormick said the deal strengthens its position in the U.S. condiment business, specifically giving it a leading position in hot sauce through the acquisition of Frank's, a top brand in the U.S. and Canada.|url-access=registration|archive-date=4 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904194847/https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2017/07/18/mccormick-to-add-frenchs-mustard-franks-redhot-in.html|url-status=live}}

Kapoor retired in September 2019{{cite news|url=https://business.medicaldialogues.in/reckitt-benckiser-chief-rakesh-kapoor-to-step-down/|title=Reckitt Benckiser chief Rakesh Kapoor to step down|date=18 January 2019|work=Medical Dialogues|access-date=18 January 2019|archive-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119120828/https://business.medicaldialogues.in/reckitt-benckiser-chief-rakesh-kapoor-to-step-down/|url-status=live}} and was replaced by Laxman Narasimhan, PepsiCo's global chief commercial officer.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/durex-owner-names-pepsi-executive-as-ceo-11560329333|title=Durex Owner Names Pepsi Executive as CEO|last=Chaudhuri|first=Saabira|date=12 June 2019|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=13 June 2019|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921184807/https://www.wsj.com/articles/durex-owner-names-pepsi-executive-as-ceo-11560329333|url-status=live}} Narasimhan developed a turnaround strategy designed to rejuvenate the company "following a series of missteps and lacklustre growth that marked the final years of his predecessor".{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Judith |last2=Wembridge |first2=Mark |date=1 September 2022 |title=Reckitt Benckiser chief Laxman Narasimhan to step down |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2f9aeb60-a8c2-4c1b-8047-3049ee7496d4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221211221246/https://www.ft.com/content/2f9aeb60-a8c2-4c1b-8047-3049ee7496d4 |archive-date=11 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=Financial Times |location=London |access-date=3 September 2022 }}

In March 2021, the company rebranded from RB to Reckitt - including a new logo and visual identity as a next step in delivering on the strategic purpose of the company.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/reckitt-benckiser-rb-rebrands-itself-as-reckitt/articleshow/81653498.cms?from=mdr|title=British consumer healthcare maker Reckitt Benckiser (RB) rebrands itself as Reckitt|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=23 March 2021|access-date=23 March 2021|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602235559/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/reckitt-benckiser-rb-rebrands-itself-as-reckitt/articleshow/81653498.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}

On 1 September 2022, Reckitt announced that Narasimhan had chosen to resign as CEO, citing "personal and family reasons",{{cite web |url=https://www.reckitt.com/newsroom/latest-news/news/2022/september/laxman-narasimhan-steps-down-as-ceo/ |title=Laxman Narasimhan steps down as CEO |author= |date=1 September 2022 |website=Reckitt |publisher=Reckitt Benckiser Group |access-date=3 September 2022 |quote=Reckitt Benckiser Group plc ("Reckitt") today announces that its CEO, Laxman Narasimhan will step down as Chief Executive Officer on September 30, 2022. Laxman has decided for personal and family reasons to relocate back to the United States and has been approached for an opportunity that enables him to live there. |archive-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903110408/https://www.reckitt.com/newsroom/latest-news/news/2022/september/laxman-narasimhan-steps-down-as-ceo/ |url-status=dead }} and would relinquish his position at the end of the month. It was also revealed that he is expected to become the next CEO of Starbucks.{{cite web |url=https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-names-laxman-narasimhan-as-next-chief-executive-officer/ |title=Starbucks Names Laxman Narasimhan as Next Chief Executive Officer |author= |date=1 September 2022 |website=Starbucks Stories |publisher=Starbucks Corporation |access-date=3 September 2022 |quote=Starbucks [...] today announced that Laxman Narasimhan will become the company's next chief executive officer and a member of the Starbucks Board of Directors. |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205123122/https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-names-laxman-narasimhan-as-next-chief-executive-officer/ |url-status=live }} Narasimhan's unexpected departure "came as an unwelcome shock to shareholders",{{cite magazine |last=Doris |first=Natasha |date=1 September 2022 |title=Reckitt Benckiser CEO joins FTSE 100 leadership exodus |url=https://ukinvestormagazine.co.uk/reckitt-benckiser-ceo-joins-ftse-100-leadership-exodus/ |magazine=UK Investor |location=London |access-date=3 September 2022 |archive-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903200954/https://ukinvestormagazine.co.uk/reckitt-benckiser-ceo-joins-ftse-100-leadership-exodus/ |url-status=live }} with the company's share price falling by "more than 5 per cent in early trading [...] before recovering somewhat to 4.5 per cent below their opening price" on the day of the announcement.

Senior Independent Director Nicandro Durante was appointed to serve as CEO on an "interim"{{cite news |last=Jolly |first=Jasper |date=1 September 2022 |title=Boss of Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser unexpectedly resigns |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/01/boss-dettol-maker-reckitt-benckiser-unexpectedly-resigns-laxman-narasimhan |work=Guardian |location=London |access-date=3 September 2022 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185307/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/01/boss-dettol-maker-reckitt-benckiser-unexpectedly-resigns-laxman-narasimhan |url-status=live }} basis "while the board considers a longer-term replacement".{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-01/reckitt-benckiser-ceo-stepping-down-replacement-search-underway |title=Lysol Maker Reckitt Jolted by CEO's Surprise US Departure |last=Hipwell |first=Deirdre |date=1 September 2022 |website=Bloomberg |access-date=3 September 2022 }}

Reckitt is headquartered in Slough, Berkshire, England, and has operations in around 60 countries. Its products are sold in nearly 200 countries.{{cite web| url=http://www.rb.com/RB-worldwide/Operations-around-the-world| title=Operations around the world| access-date=23 September 2010| publisher=Reckitt Benckiser plc| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715160949/http://www.rb.com/RB-worldwide/Operations-around-the-world| archive-date=15 July 2011| df=dmy-all}} Reckitt organises the majority of its products into three main categories – health, hygiene and home – with other brands belonging to three further categories: food, pharmaceuticals and portfolio brands. The company's strategy is to have a highly focused portfolio concentrating on its 19 most profitable brands, which are responsible for 70% of net revenues.{{cite web |url=http://www.rb.com/online-annual-report-2011 |title=Reckitt Benckiser: Annual Report 2011 |publisher=Reckitt Benckiser |access-date=13 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210193011/https://www.rb.com/online-annual-report-2011 |archive-date=10 February 2013 }}

File:Condom box durex.jpg|Durex condoms

File:Glass plus.jpg|Glass Plus glass cleaner

File:Lysolshelf.jpg|Lysol multi-surface cleaner

File:Strepsils.jpg|Strepsils throat lozenges

As of 2020, Reckitt's directors were: Christopher Sinclair (chairman), Laxman Narasimhan (CEO), Jeff Carr (CFO), Andrew Bonfield, Nicandro Durante, Mary Harris, Dr. Mehmood Khan, Dr. Pamela Kirby, Sara Mathew, Elane Stock, and Warren Tucker.{{cite web|url=http://www.rb.com/investors/the-board/|title=The Board|publisher=Reckitt Benckiser|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409090710/https://www.rb.com/investors/the-board/|url-status=dead}} As of 2020, members of the executive committee were: Laxman Narasimhan (CEO), Rupert Bondy (General Counsel), Jeff Carr (CFO), Kris Licht, Aditya Sehgal, Ranjay Radhakrishnan, and Harold van den Broek.{{cite web|url=https://www.rb.com/about-us/our-leadership/|title=Our leadership|publisher=Reckitt Benckiser|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409081746/https://www.rb.com/about-us/our-leadership/|url-status=dead}}

From the company's creation in 1999 until he retired in 2011, Bart Becht was CEO. The Guardian called him "one of the most successful businessmen of his generation". Under him, the company focused on its core brands, and on improving efficiency in the supply chain. It also increased its marketing budget. BusinessWeek noted that "40% of Reckitt's $10.5 billion in 2007 revenues came from products launched within the previous three years". Becht was Britain's highest-paid businessman, taking home more than £90 million in 2009.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/apr/07/viewpoint-bart-becht |title=Bart Becht's £90m pay packet. I need a lie-down |date=7 April 2010 |author=Julia Finch |work=The Guardian |access-date=20 December 2012 |location=London |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185310/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/apr/07/viewpoint-bart-becht |url-status=live }} In April 2011, he announced that he would step down in September of that year, to be replaced by Rakesh Kapoor, who had been with the company since 1987. Reckitt Benckiser shares fell by 6.6% on the news.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/apr/14/bart-becht-quits-reckitt-benckiser |title=Bart Becht makes surprise decision to quit Reckitt Benckiser |date=14 April 2011 |author=Graeme Wearden |work=The Guardian |access-date=20 December 2012 |location=London |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185411/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/apr/14/bart-becht-quits-reckitt-benckiser |url-status=live }}

The company supports Save the Children.{{cite web |url=http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/about-us/who-we-work-with/corporate-partnerships/our-partners/rb |title=Reckitt Benckiser |work=Save the Children UK |publisher=Save the Children |access-date=20 December 2012 |archive-date=19 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719213512/http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/about-us/who-we-work-with/corporate-partnerships/our-partners/rb |url-status=live }} Reckitt has also implemented an environmental initiative called Carbon 20.{{cite web |url=http://www.rb.com/Our-Responsibility/Our-Home-Our-Planet |title=Our Home Our Planet |publisher=Reckitt Benckiser |access-date=20 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120004342/https://www.rb.com/Our-Responsibility/Our-home-our-planet |archive-date=20 November 2012 }} The initiative, which was announced in November 2007, aimed to cut the total carbon footprint of its products—from creation to disposal by 20% by 2020. As part of the initiative the company has reduced by 70% the amount of plastic in the packaging of its Vanish cleaner.{{cite web |url=http://annualreview2008.reckittbenckiser.com/site/AR08/Templates/Home.aspx?pageid=3&cc=GB |title=Reckitt Benckiser: Annual Report and Accounts 2008 |publisher=Annualreview2008.reckittbenckiser.com |access-date=18 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222203045/http://annualreview2008.reckittbenckiser.com/site/AR08/Templates/Home.aspx?pageid=3&cc=GB |archive-date=22 February 2012 }}

In New York in February 2009, Earthjustice filed a lawsuit against Reckitt and others. The petition seeks to compel the companies to identify all of the ingredients used in their products.{{cite web|url=http://www.earthjustice.org/library/legal_docs/cleaning-products-disclosure-petition.pdf|title=Cleansing Products Disclosure Petition|date=February 2009|publisher=Earthjustice inc.|access-date=5 June 2009|archive-date=14 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614223506/http://www.earthjustice.org/library/legal_docs/cleaning-products-disclosure-petition.pdf|url-status=live}} Earthjustice contacted several companies in September 2008 requesting that they comply with a 1971 law requiring them to disclose the ingredients in their products and make available any associated health or safety studies. Reckitt and the other defendants ignored or refused the request.{{cite web|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=chemicals-in-household-cleaners|work=Scientific American|last=Biello|first=David|date=18 February 2009|title=Earthjustice Wants Companies to List Chemicals in Household Cleaners|publisher=Scientific American|access-date=5 June 2009|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185312/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chemicals-in-household-cleaners/|url-status=live}} Earthjustice eventually lost the case, after which it lobbied the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which in 2018 unveiled new requirements for manufacturers of cleaning products to publicly detail their ingredients.{{Cite web|url=https://earthjustice.org/blog/2018-june/new-york-s-new-guidance-lets-us-know-what-s-in-our-toilet-bowl-cleaner|date=June 11, 2018|author=Jessica A. Knoblauch|title=New York's New Guidance Lets Us Know What's in Our Toilet Bowl Cleaner|accessdate=April 30, 2022|archivedate=April 30, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430115726/https://earthjustice.org/blog/2018-june/new-york-s-new-guidance-lets-us-know-what-s-in-our-toilet-bowl-cleaner}}

{{main article|South Korean humidifier disinfectant case}}

In 2001, Reckitt Benckiser acquired the South Korean Oxy brand from Oriental Chemical Industries. Since 1996, Oxy had been using polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) in a humidifier steriliser product called Oxy Ssak Ssak ({{lang|ko|옥시싹싹}}). In 2011, the use of PHMG was dropped when the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) published a report showing a link between the compound and lung damage and deaths.{{cite web |title=Oxy apologizes to S. Koreans for usage of toxic chemical in humidifier sterilizer |publisher=Sina Corp |url=http://english.sina.com/news/2016-05-02/doc-ifxruaee5392597.shtml |date=2 May 2016 |access-date=2 May 2016 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185413/https://www.sina.com.cn/ |url-status=live }} Several other companies in South Korea made humidifier sterilisers with PHMG between 2001 and 2011.

According to a BBC report in May 2016, about 500 people, many of them women and children, are reported to have died or been injured after inhaling PHMG. According to a The Korea Herald report in April 2016, in 2015, 750 disinfectant users had requested a test to determine if they had been harmed by the disinfectant and as of the date of that report, 221 had been confirmed and full results were expected to be released late in 2017.{{cite web|first=Lee|last=Hyun-jeong|work=The Korea Herald|date=24 April 2016|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160424000273|title=Oxy suspected of watering down report|access-date=2 May 2016|archive-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413014851/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160424000273|url-status=live}} A report on Sina.com in May 2016 said that PHMG was known to have caused 70 deaths and to harmed the lungs of 177 people, with the actual total of deaths and people injured unknown.

Reckitt Benckiser Korea has been blamed for 103 deaths by a coalition of consumer groups in South Korea; a report from The Korea Herald in April 2016 said that the firm had been blamed for 221 deaths.

Sometime after the release of the KCDC report, prosecutors in South Korea opened an investigation into the companies selling the disinfectants, which increased its pace in January 2016. Reckitt Benckiser Korea submitted a toxicity report on PHMG to prosecutors in January 2016; prosecutors were also investigating allegations that the company suppressed data showing PHMG to be toxic in the report it had submitted. In April 2016, a coalition of consumer groups called for a boycott of the company.{{cite web |first=Lee |last=Kyung-min |work=The Korea Times |date=25 April 2016 |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/04/116_203380.html |title=Consumers to boycott Oxy Reckitt Benckiser |access-date=25 April 2016 |archive-date=26 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426165552/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/04/116_203380.html |url-status=live }}

In May 2016, Korean division chief Ataur "Ata" Safdar apologised to victims and families in a press conference and offered compensation to the families of those who died and to those who were injured; it was the first time the company had acknowledged that its products containing PHMG were harmful.{{cite news |title=Reckitt Benckiser sold deadly sterilisers in South Korea |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36185549 |date=2 May 2016 |access-date=2 May 2016 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185313/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36185549 |url-status=live }}

Cillit Bang television advertisements have been presented by "Barry Scott", a brashly enthusiastic character played by Neil Burgess, who claims that Cillit Bang can remove limescale, rust and ground-in dirt. In one advert, he places a copper English one penny coin in Cillit Bang to demonstrate the product's cleaning ability to remove staining. International versions of the advert use different presenters, known as Martin Grellis in Australia and New Zealand, and Dan Dolan in North America, although some spots feature Neil Burgess as Barry Scott. The North American versions of the advertisement use the appropriate one-cent coin (a Lincoln cent in the United States, a 1953–1964 one cent coin in Canada). The company claimed that the coin would be clean in 15 seconds: however the Advertising Standards Agency said the claim was misleading.{{cite news|url=https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/7251093.penny-cleaning-advert-misleads/|title='Penny cleaning advert misleads'|date=13 April 2005|newspaper=Gazette and Herald|access-date=27 October 2023|archive-date=27 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027094038/https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/7251093.penny-cleaning-advert-misleads/|url-status=live}}

In 2005 advertising agency Cohn & Wolfe was contracted by Reckitt to operate a blog as the fictional character Barry Scott as a viral marketing platform. In October of that year blogger Tom Coates wrote an emotional post to his own blog about his long-estranged father. Among the expressions of condolences and sympathy in the post's comment section was one from a user identifying themselves as Barry Scott, with a link back to the Cohn & Wolfe's in-character blog as Barry Scott. Offended by the apparent use of his blog comments on such a personal post as a spam advertising venue, Coates traced the comment's originating IP address through addresses owned by Young & Rubicam and back to Reckitt. Reckitt initially denied responsibility for the message but later wrote Coates an apology acknowledging the message's inappropriateness, and Cohn & Wolfe issued a statement of remorse for their misuse of the "experimental" blog which they then ceased operating.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Fictional+web+character+fails+to+amuse+net.-a0137734353|title=Fictional web character fails to amuse net. - Free Online Library|website=www.thefreelibrary.com|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803190215/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Fictional+web+character+fails+to+amuse+net.-a0137734353|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.prwatch.org/spin/2005/10/4058/fake-blogging-and-equally-fake-apology|title=Fake Blogging and an Equally Fake Apology|date=8 October 2005|website=PR Watch|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185409/https://www.prwatch.org/spin/2005/10/4058/fake-blogging-and-equally-fake-apology|url-status=live}}

The controversy and its fallout led to further discussions among the blogger community as well as the advertising industry on the ethical issues surrounding blogs being "operated" by fictional characters for the purposes of advertising without being clearly labeled as such, and the extent to which those blogs should be allowed to participate in the greater blogosphere.{{Cite web|url=http://ads.womma.org/2005/10/on_cillit_bang_.html|title=WOMMA's Word of Mouth vs. Advertising: On Cillit Bang and a new low for marketers... (plasticbag.org)|date=12 December 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051212153845/http://ads.womma.org/2005/10/on_cillit_bang_.html|archive-date=12 December 2005}}{{cite web|url=https://adland.tv/content/cillit-bang-stains-their-cult-reputation-comment-spam|title=Cillit Bang stains their cult reputation with comment spam|publisher=Adland|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=22 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922165216/https://adland.tv/cillit-bang-stains-their-cult-reputation-comment-spam|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/diary-barry-scott-makes-real-mess-blog-posting/527455|title=Diary: Barry Scott makes a real mess with blog posting|website=www.campaignlive.co.uk|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=22 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922165311/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/diary-barry-scott-makes-real-mess-blog-posting/527455|url-status=live}}

The Barry Scott adverts were parodied by Peter Serafinowicz on The Peter Serafinowicz Show. In the parodies, the host "Derek Baum" (played by Serafinowicz) markets a product called Kitchen Gun, which is a firearm that the host uses to blast away at kitchen surfaces and appliances, cleaning and damaging them at the same time,{{cite web |first= |title=Kitchen Gun - in stores now! 🔫😂 - BBC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-7NDP8V-6A |website=YouTube |date=30 September 2007 |access-date=20 October 2023 |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018163510/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-7NDP8V-6A |url-status=live }} and Toilet Grenade, a hand grenade covered in white paint that demolishes the toilet bowl to eliminate limescale and germs.{{Citation |title=Toilet Grenade - The Peter Serafinowicz Show - BBC Two | date=9 October 2007 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2UY_3RNggU |access-date=2023-11-23 |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123082024/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2UY_3RNggU |url-status=live }}

In 2008, the BBC's Newsnight accused Reckitt Benckiser of attempting to delay the introduction of a competitive, generic version of one of its most popular products, Gaviscon, a treatment for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease. In his introduction, reporter Martin Shankleman said:

{{blockquote|Gaviscon is hailed as a power brand by its owners, Reckitt Benckiser ... Reckitt Benckiser likes to claim that the profits flow from their expertise in marketing. But we know that there's another way in which they've been coining it in—by ripping-off the NHS, as a whistle-blower has told us. The "whistle-blower" was shown in silhouette, and his words were spoken by an actor: "Reckitt's cheated the National Health Service. It could have saved the NHS millions of pounds. But not just the NHS, patients, doctors—they've cheated health professionals. I felt it had to be exposed". He continued, "Newsnight claimed that Reckitt had a "secret plan to ensure that it kept its stranglehold" after the Gaviscon patent expired in 1999, and that Newsnight had seen the plan. The Department of Health asked Newsnight to hand its documents to the NHS counter-fraud service.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7280000/newsid_7284600/7284696.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&ms3=6&ms_javascript=true&bbcws=2|title=Gaviscon maker 'cheated the NHS' (video report)|publisher=BBC|access-date=13 April 2009|date=8 March 2008|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185832/http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7280000/newsid_7284600/7284696.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&ms3=6&ms_javascript=true&bbcws=2|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7282627.stm |title=Gaviscon maker 'cheated the NHS' |publisher=BBC |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310231156/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7282627.stm |archive-date=10 March 2008 |date=7 March 2008 |first=Meirion |last=Jones |author-link=Meirion Jones |url-status=dead }}}}

The investigation was widely reported in the British press. The Guardian quoted a leaked memo in which the product's manager explained that the company could use "the rationale of health and safety" to design a switched product to "muddy the waters".{{Cite news

|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2008/mar/07/health.nhs

|title=Company accused of cheating NHS

|last=Leigh

|first=David

|access-date=13 April 2009

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209043408/http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/mar/07/health.nhs

|archive-date=9 December 2008

|location=London

|date=7 March 2008

|url-status=dead

}} The newspaper quoted Reckitt as stating that the leaked memos were "inappropriate and did not reflect Reckitt's eventual actions".

The Independent quoted Warwick Smith, director of the British Generic Manufacturers Association: "The sort of evergreening alleged by Newsnight can cost the NHS tens of millions of pounds with no patient benefit."{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/drug-giants-swindle-nhs-by-blocking-cheap-medicines-extending-patents-793129.html |title=Drug giants 'swindle NHS by blocking cheap medicines' extending patents |last=Laurance |first=Jeremy |date=8 March 2008 |work=The Independent |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026120204/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/drug-giants-swindle-nhs-by-blocking-cheap-medicines-extending-patents-793129.html |archive-date=26 October 2012 |location=London |url-status=dead }} It also quoted a statement issued by the company: "...RB is a responsible company and we have therefore instigated an immediate internal investigation and will take action. However, we do not accept much of what has been alleged."

The Times noted that "Although Gaviscon has been out of patent for almost ten years, no other manufacturer has developed a cheap generic version. Such a drug could have saved the NHS up to £40 million."{{Cite news|url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/health/article3502588.ece |title=Reckitt Benckiser accused of ripping off NHS over Gaviscon |last=Jameson |first=Angela |date=7 March 2008 |work=The Times |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612124204/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/health/article3502588.ece |archive-date=12 June 2011 |location=London |url-status=dead }} It stated that the Office of Fair Trading was expected to examine whether Reckitt had acted illegally. It also printed verbatim extracts from several of the leaked memos.{{Cite news|url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/health/article3503672.ece |title=The Reckitt Benckiser memos in full |work=The Times |date=7 March 2007 |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612124228/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/health/article3503672.ece |archive-date=12 June 2011 |location=London |first=Jenny |last=Booth |url-status=dead }}

In response to the Newsnight report and the reports in the press, Reckitt issued a statement that began:

{{blockquote|We are shocked by the allegations made as Reckitt Benckiser is a responsible company in the way it conducts its business.

Nevertheless, we are deeply concerned by the inappropriate sentiment expressed in some of the historic internal correspondence reported. We take this very seriously and have instigated an immediate internal investigation, and will take action. We also refute much of what has been reported which implies a power and influence we simply do not possess.

The company has never objected to a monograph driven generic name being published. The timetable of which is not, and never has been, within our control a monograph/generic name could have been published at any time by the regulators without reference to any third party.

The company made appropriate challenges where it felt it was justified in order to ensure patients are prescribed the right treatment. These were within the law and relevant regulations. We stress that the regulators only take a comment into account when it is valid.{{cite web|url=http://www.reckittbenckiser.com/site/RKBR/Templates/MediaLatestNewsItem.aspx?pageid=414 |title=Statement in response to media reports about Gaviscon |last=Reckit Benckiser |date=7 March 2008 |publisher=Reckitt Benckiser Corporate Communications |access-date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081114041039/http://www.reckittbenckiser.com/site/RKBR/Templates/MediaLatestNewsItem.aspx?pageid=414 |archive-date=14 November 2008 |url-status=dead }}}}

On 15 October 2010, Reckitt was fined £10.2 million by the Office of Fair Trading after the company admitted anti-competitive behaviour.{{Cite news|title=Reckitt Benckiser fined £10.2m by OFT|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/oct/15/reckitt-benckiser-fined-oft-gaviscon|access-date=15 October 2010|newspaper=The Guardian|date=15 October 2010|location=London|first=Julia|last=Kollewe|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185833/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/oct/15/reckitt-benckiser-fined-oft-gaviscon|url-status=live}}

In 2014, the Autorité de la concurrence in France found that Reckitt had colluded with 12 other multinational companies (Colgate-Palmolive, Henkel, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Sara Lee, SC Johnson, Bolton Solitaire, Laboratoires Vendôme, Gillette, L'Oréal, Beiersdorf and Vania) to fix the prices of popular personal hygiene products; the fine of around €950 million was the largest ever imposed by the agency.{{cite web |url=http://www.connexionfrance.com/court-appeal-price-fixing-fine-upheld-consumer-companies-gillette-loreal-procter-gamble-sc-johnson-18567-view-article.html |title=Huge price-fixing fine is upheld |work=The Connexion |date=28 October 2016 |access-date=28 October 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170209165431/http://www.connexionfrance.com/court-appeal-price-fixing-fine-upheld-consumer-companies-gillette-loreal-procter-gamble-sc-johnson-18567-view-article.html |archive-date=9 February 2017 }}

In 2015, Reckitt created controversy when it emerged that seemingly different versions of their product Nurofen marketed to treat specific pains, such as migraine, were all identical to the standard product despite costing twice as much. The product was withdrawn from sale in Australia for misleading consumers.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35090087 |title=Nurofen maker Reckitt Benckiser defends Australia packaging |access-date=29 April 2016 |work=BBC News |date=14 December 2015 |archive-date=4 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504150016/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35090087 |url-status=live }} The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) took the matter to court and in December 2016, Reckitt was fined {{AUD|6 million}}.{{cite news|first=Lucy |last=Cormack |title=Nurofen fine for misleading consumers increased to $6 million |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/nurofen-fine-for-misleading-consumers-increased-to-6-million-20161215-gtcetc.html |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=16 December 2016 |access-date=16 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216093920/http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/nurofen-fine-for-misleading-consumers-increased-to-6-million-20161215-gtcetc.html |archive-date=16 December 2016 |url-status=live }}

In 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a decision to remove second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides from store shelves, leaving the products available for purchase only by US licensed applicators. The ruling was slated to go into effect in 2011 allowing poison companies time to adjust to the new law. EPA's decision was based on tens of thousands of reports of pet, wildlife and child poisonings that resulted annually from rat poisons in the US alone. In 2011, Reckitt Benckiser makers of d-CON products initiated a legal challenge to the EPA expected to take several years to resolve. Early in 2014, California State Department of Pesticide Regulation ruled that anticoagulant rat poison sales would be restricted beginning on 1 July 2014. Reckitt filed suit in San Diego County Superior Court in April 2014 to block the decision,{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_25461592/makers-rat-poison-d-con-sue-state|title=Makers of rat poison d-Con sue California|work=The Mercury News|date=31 March 2014|access-date=21 March 2015|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185834/https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/03/31/makers-of-rat-poison-d-con-sue-california/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/pesticides_reduction/rodenticides/pdfs/PetitionForWritOfMandate_03-31-2014.pdf|title=Petition for writ of Mandate|publisher=Superior Court|access-date=21 March 2015|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185831/http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/pesticides_reduction/rodenticides/pdfs/PetitionForWritOfMandate_03-31-2014.pdf|url-status=live}} but eventually reached an agreement with the EPA to phase out the products in June 2014; production of the banned products stopped on December 31, 2014, with distribution to retailers ceased on March 31, 2015, although retailers will be allowed to keep the banned products in stock until they are all sold out.{{Cite web|url=https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/canceling-some-d-con-mouse-and-rat-control-products|title=Canceling Some d-CON Mouse and Rat Control Products|author=United States Environmental Protection Agency|date=4 March 2014 |accessdate=April 30, 2022|archivedate=April 30, 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430120946/https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/canceling-some-d-con-mouse-and-rat-control-products}}

According to a 2016 Amnesty International report, Reckitt Benckiser is one of several consumer companies that buy palm oil from Wilmar International, the world's largest palm oil refiner. Amnesty found that Wilmar profits from child labour and forced labour and exposes workers to toxic banned chemicals.{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa21/5184/2016/en/|title=The Great Palm Oil Scandal: Labour Abuses Behind Big Brand Names|publisher=Amnesty International|date=30 November 2016|access-date=1 December 2016|archive-date=23 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423210624/https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa21/5184/2016/en/|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Reckitt paid a $1.4bn fine{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jul/11/reckitt-benckiser-to-pay-record-14bn-fine-over-opioid-sales |title=Reckitt Benckiser to pay $1.4bn fine over opioid treatment sales |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Sean |last=Farrell |date=July 11, 2019 |accessdate=2023-11-05 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921185835/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jul/11/reckitt-benckiser-to-pay-record-14bn-fine-over-opioid-sales |url-status=live }} for claiming opioid medication Suboxone Film was "safer ... even though such claims have never been established."{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-obtains-14-billion-reckitt-benckiser-group-largest-recovery-case |title=Justice Department Obtains $1.4 Billion from Reckitt Benckiser Group in Largest Recovery in a Case Concerning an Opioid Drug in United States History |date=July 11, 2019 |publisher=Office of Public Affairs |accessdate=2023-11-05 |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105231510/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-obtains-14-billion-reckitt-benckiser-group-largest-recovery-case |url-status=live }}

Reckitt Benckiser has faced criticism for continuing its operations in Russia despite the invasion of Ukraine and widespread international sanctions. In April 2022, the company announced plans to transfer ownership of its Russian business to a third party or local employees but did not complete the process as of 2024.{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2022 |title=Reckitt begins process 'aimed at' transferring Russian business |url=https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/reckitt-begins-process-aimed-at-transferring-russian-business |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Financial post}}{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2024 |title=Over 1,000 Companies Have Curtailed Operations in Russia—But Some Remain |url=https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/over-1000-companies-have-curtailed-operations-russia-some-remain |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Yale School of Management |language=en}} Trading data reveals that Reckitt Benckiser continues to export products to Russia, raising concerns about its commitment to disengaging from the market. While the company has frozen capital investments, advertising, sponsorships, and promotions in Russia, its ongoing presence has drawn scrutiny in light of Russia's continued aggression and violations of international law.{{Cite web |title=Over 400 companies have withdrawn from Russia - but some remain |url=https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/82/224466.html |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Bizcommunity |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2023 |title=Reckitt, BAT stay the course on Russian business plans |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/reckitt-stays-course-process-aimed-at-transferring-russian-business-2023-07-26/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Reuters}}

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