Home Decor/Houseware

Following its prior announcement of plans to exit the Duracell business, P&G said it now plans to execute a split transaction, in which it will exchange a recapitalized Duracell Company for Berkshire Hathaways shares of P&G stock.

Newell Rubbermaid is 18 months in to a total marketing transformation that will unlock the potential of its more than 40 brands globally. In this exclusive interview, Chief Marketing and Insights Officer Richard Davies reveals how the company's investments in understanding a very diverse range of consumers will position Newell Rubbermaid as the preeminent consumer durables company in the world, and specifically accelerate its success in emerging markets

The company will sell or exit 90 to 100 brands in a bold attempt to refocus the business on 70 to 80 remaining best-selling brand names. "Less will be much more," CEO A.G. Lafley told analysts.

This pitch-pilot-partner process dramatically accelerates its speed to market enabling Unilever to pioneer new technologies much more effectively and efficiently.

The acquired business will become part of the Home Solutions segment with Contigo and Avex joining the company's Rubbermaid, Calphalon, Goody and Levolor brands.

The company joins an exclusive club of design-driven companies that recognize design and innovation as a competitive advantage.

The acquisition advances Mattel's global growth strategy with expansion into rapidly growing $4 billion Construction Building Sets Category and $2 billion Arts & Crafts Category.

CGT scoured the globe to find this year's group of Standout SMBs from a digitally-engaged confectioner in Belgium to an inspiring innovator turned viral sensation in the good old U.S.A. Find out how 11 small to mid-sized consumer goods companies are making an impact on consumers in their own special ways.