Reckitt Benckiser jumps on $2.2bn dividend promise after selling Cillit Bang and other home brands

  • Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (LSE:RKT) shares jumped 2% after it promised to return $2.2 billion (£1.64 billion) to shareholders from selling off brands such as Air Wick, Calgon and Cillit Bang in a private equity deal.  A deal to offload the FTSE 100 group's Essential Home was agreed with US firm Advent International at a value of $4.8 billion, though it is retaining a 30% stake.