Who owns Duracell batteries?

Who Owns Duracell Batteries?

Duracell is a well-known brand of alkaline batteries, and many people have wondered who owns this popular brand. In this article, we will delve into the history of Duracell and its current ownership.

History of Duracell

Duracell was founded in 1910 by Samuel Ruben and Philip Mallory. The company started as a small manufacturer of zinc-carbon batteries and gradually expanded its product line to include alkaline batteries. In the 1920s, Duracell introduced its first alkaline battery, which was a significant innovation in the battery industry.

Acquisition by Procter & Gamble

In 1981, Duracell was acquired by Procter & Gamble (P&G), a multinational consumer goods corporation. Under P&G’s ownership, Duracell continued to innovate and expand its product line. In the 1990s, Duracell introduced its CopperTop battery, which became a huge success.

Sale to Berkshire Hathaway

In 2014, P&G decided to sell Duracell to Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate holding company led by Warren Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway acquired Duracell for $4.5 billion, making it one of the company’s largest acquisitions.

Current Ownership

Today, Duracell is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and its headquarters are located in Bethel, Connecticut. Under Berkshire Hathaway’s ownership, Duracell continues to operate independently and focus on its core business of manufacturing alkaline batteries.

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Duracell:

• CopperTop: Duracell’s CopperTop battery is known for its long-lasting power and is widely used in many applications, including flashlights, radios, and toys.
• Alkaline Batteries: Duracell is one of the largest manufacturers of alkaline batteries in the world, with a global market share of over 40%.
• Sustainability: Duracell has made a commitment to sustainability, with a goal of reducing its environmental impact by 20% by 2025.
• Quality: Duracell is known for its high-quality batteries, with a reputation for reliability and performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Duracell is a well-established brand of alkaline batteries that has been owned by various companies over the years. From its humble beginnings as a small manufacturer of zinc-carbon batteries to its current status as a global leader in the battery industry, Duracell has come a long way. Under Berkshire Hathaway’s ownership, Duracell continues to innovate and expand its product line, making it a trusted brand for many consumers around the world.

Table: Duracell’s Ownership History

References

• Duracell website
• Berkshire Hathaway website
• Procter & Gamble website
• Various news articles and reports