Businessweek

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA engages in laundry and home care, cosmetics/toiletries, and adhesive technologies businesses worldwide. Segments Laundry and Home Care segment The Laundry and Home Care segment offers heavy-duty detergents, fabric softeners, laundry conditioning products, dishwashing products, all-purpose cleaners, scouring agents, floor and carpet care products, bath and toilet cleaners, glass cleaners, kitchen cleaners, specialty cleaners, air fresheners, and insecticides for household applications. Cosmetics/Toiletries segment The Cosmetics/Toiletries segment offers hair cosmetics, body care, skin care and oral care products, and hair salon products. Its products include hair shampoos and conditioners, hair colorants, hair styling and permanent wave products, toilet soaps, shower gels, body wash and bath products, deodorants, skin creams, skin care products, dental care and oral hygiene products, and hair salon products. Adhesives Technologies segment The Adhesives Technologies segment produces and sells cyanoacrylates, office products for gluing and correcting applications, adhesive tapes, contact adhesives, adhesives for home decoration, building and DIY applications, adhesives and sealants for industrial applications and products for surface treatment. Its products include adhesive and sealant systems; surface treatment products for industrial applications in the automotive, packaging, aircraft, electronics, durable consumer goods and metal sectors, and for maintenance, repair and overhaul applications; adhesives and sealants for craftsmen and consumers and for applications in the home, school and office. Markets The company sells its products in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific. Acquisitions In April 2008, the company acquired the Adhesives and Electronic Materials businesses belonging to the National Starch & Chemical Company. Dispositions In November 2008, the company sold its 29.5% interest in an associated company, Ecolab Inc. History Henkel AG & Co. KGaA was founded in 1876.