According to reports first appearing in the Wall Street Journal, Consumer-products makers Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Jarden Corp. are in talks to combine, say people familiar with the matter. The terms under discussion couldn’t immediately be learned, and it is possible the talks won’t lead to a deal.
Atlanta-based Newell Rubbermaid is the slightly larger of the two with a market capitalization of about $12 billion compared with Jarden’s $10.5 billion before the Wall Street Journal reported on the talks Monday and both stocks rose. A typical takeover premium could value Jarden at $13 billion or more. The combined company would have around $14 billion in annual sales.
Both companies’ shares have surged in recent years on the strengthening economy and prior acquisitions that were well received by investors. Their stock gains exemplify investors’ yen for deals in a torrid period for mergers and acquisitions. The total dollar value of takeovers is at a record level this year.
Outdoor and sporing goods brands under Jarden’sumbrella of more and 120 brands include Marmot, Coleman, BCA, Atlas, Aerobed, Ex Officio, K2, Marker, Madshus, Rawlings, Sterans, Tubbs, Sevylor, Ride, Little Bear, Line, Volkl, Worth, and Zoot, among others.
Top brands under Newell Rubbermaid include Sahrpie, Paper Mate, Graco, Baby Jogger, Irwin tools and Rubermaid.
