Henkel, the German consumer goods giant, has a fund worth between Eur3.5 billion and 4 billion or US$4.6 billion and US$5.2 billion for acquisition purposes.
According to Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted, "Large acquisitions are not ruled out." The remarks were made during the firm's annual general meeting but assured shareholders that the company would not make acquisitions that would put Henkel's credit ratings would be affected.
The last acquisition made by Henkel was the 2008 Eur3.7 billion purchase of National Starch. Currently, the firm has a manageable debt of Eur85 million compared to its Eur3.8 billion debt portfolio after the National Starch deal.
Rorsted reiterated that should the firm make an acquisition near the size of National Starch, the financial targets for 2016 would have to be adjusted accordingly.
Among the brands under the Henkel conglomerate are Purex washing powder, Pril, Schwarzkopf haircare, Persil Black Shampoo and Vernel/Silan fabric softener.
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