S.C. Johnson may be vying with P&G for Sara Lee air-freshner business, says WSJ report

Report: S.C. Johnson may be eyeing Sara Lee unit

NEW YORK — S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. may be eyeing Sara Lee Corp.’s air-freshner business, according to a published report Tuesday.

Citing unnamed people familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reported that S.C. Johnson’s board will meet this week to discuss a possible deal with Sara Lee.

S.C. Johnson, a privately held company, faces competition from consumer products giant Procter & Gamble Co., which is also reportedly considering a purchase of the unit.

Sara Lee and S.C. Johnson officials both declined to comment.

Sara Lee is trying to sell its international household goods business as part of an effort to focus on its core food and beverage products. However, no bidder has emerged for the full unit.

S.C. Johnson would be able to combine Sara Lee’s Ambi Pur air freshner business, which had about $470 million in sales last year, with its Glade air freshner business.

Shares of Sara Lee rose 22 cents to close at $12.20 on Tuesday.