Henkel KGaA · Düsseldorf Germany · (German: HEN)

Henkel focuses on home and hearth. The international company makes branded products for laundry and home care (Persil, Purex, Pril), cosmetics and toiletries (Schwarzkopf, Fa, Dial), and adhesives (Loctite, Ceresit, Teroson). Most of Henkel's operations are centered in Europe, although its ownership of The Dial Corporation gives it access to the US market. Henkel serves customers in more than 125 countries from offices extending nearly everywhere but Greenland and Australia. Relatives of the founding Henkel family control the company, which began in 1876. Amid an economic downturn in the US and abroad, Henkel in 2009 initiated a long-term strategy with financial targets that extend into 2012. To read the full description, subscribe now.