Church & Dwight has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Waterpik for approximately US$1 billion. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of the year.

The market leader in water-jet technology for oral water flossers and replacement showerheads in the US, Waterpik is currently sold in the US and Canada and exported to 80 countries worldwide.

“Oral care is important to us strategically,” said Matthew T Farrell, Church & Dwight CEO. “Waterpik represents a powerful addition to our existing oral care portfolio which includes Arm & Hammer toothpaste, Spinbrush battery-operated toothbrushes and Orajel oral analgesics. The flosser products business is a fast-growing platform and capitalizes on the trends of increased gum disease, oral care awareness across all demographics and expansion of the middle class in emerging markets.

“Waterpik will be our 11th power brand. The acquisition is consistent with our strategy of acquiring #1 or #2 brands in areas with growth potential.”