Unilever looks to Russia for personal care growth.

Unilever has taken a leap into expanding its personal care business in the high-growth Russian market, with the recent 82% acquisition of Concern Kalina, the leading Russian beauty company. The transaction, which is pending required regulatory approvals, values the equity of the total business at about 500 million euro. Concern Kalina is Russia’s largest local personal care manufacturer with leading positions in skin and hair care and an expected 2011 turnover of approximately 303 million euro. The company has a strong, extensive distribution network and sells its products primarily in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever said: “We are delighted to be acquiring Concern Kalina. This will transform Unilever’s personal care business in Russia, giving us leading positions in skin care and hair care, as well as establishing a presence in oral care. It will also strengthen and re-balance Unilever’s portfolio and competitive position in Russia, an emerging market with considerable potential and one of our priority countries.”