Kruidvat parent company AS Watson eyes €1.9 billion public listing in 2026
AS Watson, the parent company of Dutch health and beauty chain Kruidvat, is reportedly considering a public listing, according to multiple media reports. The Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison is evaluating taking its retail subsidiary to the stock market. AS Watson also owns Dutch chains Trekpleister and ICI PARIS XL.
The potential initial public offering (IPO) could take place as early as next year, according to The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, which cited anonymous sources. Analysts estimate the listing could raise about 1.9 billion euros. A dual listing in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom is among the options under consideration.
AS Watson operates more than 17,000 stores across 31 markets worldwide. Its holdings include Rossmann pharmacies in Germany and Superdrug stores in the United Kingdom.
The move would reportedly mark a major step for CK Hutchison, which has been expanding its retail footprint globally through AS Watson. The company has steadily grown its health and beauty operations, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Executives have not publicly confirmed the IPO plans, but the reports suggest CK Hutchison is actively evaluating market conditions and potential investor interest.
_04.jpg){kind=link}