PZ Cussons, known for brands such as Imperial Leather, Carex and Original Source, has been around for more than a century, but its shape and focus today are very different from its origins.
The FTSE 250 consumer goods giant is focusing on core brands and expanding overseas, and owns market-leading products in a host of countries around the world.
But M&A deals, both good and bad, have meant there are questions to be asked around the company’s strategy, balance sheet and future priorities, all of which Alex Newman and Lord John Lee put to CEO Jonathan Myers.
The trio discuss PZ Cussons’ expansion overseas, its share price valuation, where it can save costs, the stake owned by one of the founders’ families and much more.
Let us know your thoughts, or if you have any questions or any suggestions for future guests, by emailing alex.newman@ft.com
Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle by clicking here or heading to Apple, Spotify and YouTube
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:49 What is PZ Cussons?
02:56 Lord Lee's involvement
06:33 Strategic review
10:31 Offers for African business
13:39 Value of the brands
16:02 Is the valuation low?
19:34 Innovation and building new brands
24:32 Manufacturing efficiencies
27:02 Impact of Iran War
29:48 Shareholder register
31:15 Involvement of family owners
40:08 Confidence in future outlook
","author_name":"Investors' Chronicle"}