Clorox to Buy Hand Sanitizer Maker GOJO for $2.25 Billion (1)

Clorox Co.agreed to buy the maker of Purell hand sanitizer, GOJO Industries, a move to expand its portfolio of consumer health and hygiene brands.

Clorox will buy privately held GOJO for $2.25 billion in cash, according to a statement Thursday. The Purell-owner has nearly $800 million in annual sales, Clorox said, and has consistently delivered average growth of 5% in the past three years.

The deal is the latest example of a prominent consumer-products makers looking for faster avenues of growth. Clorox reported 19% drop in revenue last quarter amid a slump from its health and wellness group as ...