Kellogg, Reckitt Benckiser in race to acquire GSK's Horlicks brand, says report

In a move to gain access into the consumer nutrition business in India, British breakfast cereal maker Kellogg and UK based food company Reckitt Benckiser Plc are now eyeing GlaxoSmithKline’s consumer food arm, The Economic Times reported.

While Kellogg’s entry into the competition was seen as a surprise, Reckitt Benckiser has been growing inorganically across the world with its last acquisition in India being Paras Pharmaceuticals eight years ago, the report said.

According to the report, the British healthcare company’s strategy in acquiring consumer food business has helped increase its sales, better than its health and hygiene business which includes Dettol Soap and Air Wick brands. The company acquired US infant formula business Mead Johnson last year in a deal worth $18 billion, the report added.