Reckitt Benckiser, the U.K. consumer‑goods group that makes Durex and Mucinex, said its Russian operations weighed heavily on first‑quarter results. The company posted a double‑digit slump in like‑for‑like net revenue, and the Russia business contributed a 2% drag on emerging‑markets growth.

On Friday, Reckitt announced it would divest its hygiene arm in Russia to Arnest Management, a cosmetics and household‑goods maker. The deal, terms undisclosed, covers a unit that represents about 1% of the group's 2025 net revenue.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Reckitt will keep its Russian health‑care business, but the hygiene unit will no longer be part of the group until the sale completes.

Until the divestment is finished, the negative impact is expected to persist at a similar level, the company said. Excluding the unit should lift the group’s emerging‑markets performance in the coming periods.