Livingstone advises Blueair in cross-border sale to Unilever

Livingstone’s Consumer Team is pleased to announce that Blueair (“the Company”), a world leader in air purification products, services and integrated solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Unilever. The Company’s patented technology, award-winning designs and connected solutions have made Blueair an acclaimed brand around the world with a leading market position among consumers. Terms of the transaction will not be disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory and other customary approvals.

Blueair, headquartered in Stockholm, is one of Sweden’s fastest-growing companies and has more than six-folded its sales since 2012, reaching USD 107 million in 2015. With premium-segment products for air purification, the company sells through its own sales companies, distributors and resellers in over 60 countries worldwide, and has a leading market position in countries including China, USA, India, Japan and South Korea.

With the acquisition of Blueair, Unilever is making its first investment in air purification as part of the group’s overall focus on sustainability, the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

“Blueair is an international and highly innovative company in two very important and fast-growing segments, sustainability and health. It has been inspiring to have been involved with working with its structure, processes, development and strategy for almost two years. The company’s rapid international growth has attracted international investors and strategic stakeholders with a variety of different rationales,” says Anders Jacobson, Partner at Livingstone.

“After considerable interest from global investors, leading consumer brands, and both financial and strategic parties in China, Blueair said yes to Unilever. With Unilever’s understanding of Blueair’s global potential, and the companies’ shared vision, there is every prospect of continuing Blueair’s stunning development,” says Thomas Karlsson, Partner at Livingstone.

“I am impressed by Livingstone’s ability to work in an international context and manage a global sales process. Thanks to wise advice on important strategic issues, personal commitment and attention to detail, the team has gained the trust of myself and Blueair’s senior management,” says Bengt Rittri, CEO at Blueair.

“The Livingstone team has demonstrated great understanding of the Chinese market and our business. I am grateful for their commitment and ability to coordinate and accommodate requests from multiple parties in different countries. They have won my trust through their experience, knowledge and, not least, hard work,” says Sam Li, Partner with responsibility for Blueair’s operations in China.