Helen of Troy Snares Brut for $55 Million

Helen of Troy Ltd., a personal-care products manufacturer, agreed to buy Unilever's Brut line of men's deodorants for $55 million. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

The sale is part of Unilever's strategy to dump brands not in line with its long-term business plan. The Brut line generated $45 million in sales in 2002 and expected to generate more than $40 million in sales for El Paso, TX-based Helen of Troy over the next 12 months.