Key Takeaways
- • Forward Consumer Partners has agreed to acquire US first-aid brand Welly from Unilever, according to a Wall Street Journal report, marking the private equity firm's entry into the consumer health sector.
- • Financial terms were not disclosed; the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
- • Welly, founded in 2016 by Method founder Eric Ryan, makes adhesive bandages, first-aid kits and other healthcare products; Unilever acquired a majority stake in 2021.
- • Eric Ryan is expected to return to Welly as a strategic adviser and board member after the deal closes.
- • The sale is part of Unilever's portfolio restructuring, which concentrates investment in higher-growth beauty, wellbeing and personal care businesses.
Summary
Forward Consumer Partners has agreed to acquire Welly, a US first-aid brand, from Unilever, expanding the private equity firm's consumer products portfolio, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
Welly was founded by entrepreneur Eric Ryan, the Method founder, in 2016. The brand started with fabric bandages and now sells a full range of products for everyday injuries, including adhesive bandages and first-aid kits. Unilever acquired a majority stake in the business in 2021. Following the acquisition, Ryan is expected to return to Welly as a strategic adviser and board member. The deal represents Forward Consumer Partners' entry into the consumer health sector.
The divestiture forms part of Unilever's ongoing portfolio restructuring, as the consumer goods group concentrates investment in higher-growth beauty, wellbeing and personal care businesses. The sale follows other portfolio changes at Unilever, including the separation of its ice cream business and divestments of non-core brands.
Forward Consumer Partners' existing consumer investments include Justin's, Firehook and Xochitl. The Welly acquisition extends that portfolio into healthcare-adjacent everyday products.
Welly was founded by entrepreneur Eric Ryan, the Method founder, in 2016. The brand started with fabric bandages and now sells a full range of products for everyday injuries, including adhesive bandages and first-aid kits. Unilever acquired a majority stake in the business in 2021. Following the acquisition, Ryan is expected to return to Welly as a strategic adviser and board member. The deal represents Forward Consumer Partners' entry into the consumer health sector.
The divestiture forms part of Unilever's ongoing portfolio restructuring, as the consumer goods group concentrates investment in higher-growth beauty, wellbeing and personal care businesses. The sale follows other portfolio changes at Unilever, including the separation of its ice cream business and divestments of non-core brands.
Forward Consumer Partners' existing consumer investments include Justin's, Firehook and Xochitl. The Welly acquisition extends that portfolio into healthcare-adjacent everyday products.
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