The Clorox Company announced it has agreed to acquire GOJO Industries, the Ohio-based maker of Purell hand sanitizer and other skin health and hygiene products, in a deal valued at $2.25 billion in cash. Clorox said the purchase price includes anticipated tax benefits of about $330 million, implying a net purchase price of $1.92 billion.
The acquisition adds the Purell brand to Clorox’s Health and Wellness segment and broadens the company’s reach across both consumer and professional channels. GOJO, founded in 1946, generates nearly $800 million in annual sales and has delivered mid-single-digit growth, according to Clorox. More than 80% of GOJO’s revenue is tied to a network of B2B distributors supported by an installed base of roughly 20 million soap and sanitizer dispensers, a dynamic Clorox expects to provide recurring demand and a stable earnings profile.
Clorox said it expects the transaction to support its long-term sales growth target of 3% to 5% and to generate at least $50 million in run-rate cost synergies. The company said the deal should be neutral to adjusted EBITDA margins in the first year and accretive after synergies are achieved, and that it expects adjusted EPS to be neutral in the first year and accretive in the second year. Clorox also disclosed valuation metrics of 11.9x adjusted EBITDA net of anticipated tax benefits, and 9.1x adjusted EBITDA net of anticipated tax benefits and run-rate cost synergies.
Strategically, Clorox is positioning the deal as a portfolio move under its IGNITE strategy, aiming to accelerate Purell’s retail growth using Clorox’s brand-building, innovation and distribution capabilities while also enhancing Clorox’s professional business through GOJO’s B2B reach, manufacturing and regulatory capabilities. GOJO will continue to be based in Ohio, Clorox said.
Clorox plans to finance the acquisition primarily with debt and expects the transaction to close before the end of its fiscal year 2026, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Excluding the impact of the transaction, Clorox reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 outlook previously issued in its Nov. 3, 2025 earnings release.
Support: Centerview Partners is serving as Clorox’s financial advisor, with Cooley as legal advisor. Harris Williams is advising GOJO, with Jones Day as legal advisor.
KEY QUOTES:
“GOJO’s deep commitment to innovation and delivering superior value in skin hygiene has built Purell into one of the most trusted names in homes, healthcare facilities, schools and businesses around the world – a name that is virtually synonymous with skin hygiene. This strong foundation, coupled with a large installed base and deep relationships in the fast-growing B2B channel has driven decades of consistent performance. This is a compelling acquisition that evolves our portfolio and scales our fastest growing, most profitable operating segment – Health and Wellness – as we execute our IGNITE strategy to deliver long-term shareholder value.”
Linda Rendle, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, The Clorox Company
“GOJO and Clorox are united by our shared commitment to make the world a cleaner and healthier place. I have long admired Clorox’s ability to create great consumer brands and products that are beloved in households around the world. Clorox brings world-class consumer expertise, and they have the resources to accelerate our growth in retail channels. I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead as we combine our leading brands, talented organizations and complementary capabilities to deliver best-in-class health and hygiene solutions to customers across the world. And I’m proud to carry forward the 80-year legacy of the Lippman Kanfer Family, who founded and led the business for three generations in Northeast Ohio.”
Carey Jaros, President and Chief Executive Officer, GOJO Industries
