In 2014, we drove our Growth Game Plan further into action by completing three strategic acquisitions that complement our existing business, broaden our access to faster-growing categories and are accretive to growth, normalized operating margin and normalized earnings per share. The addition of the Contigo®, bubba® and Baby Jogger® brands to the portfolio represents a critical step forward in Newell Rubbermaid’s transformation into a larger, faster-growing, more profitable company.
As consumers increasingly seek attractive, functional and long-lasting products to support their active, on-the-go lifestyles, the durable beverage container category is large, fast-growing and on trend. Contigo and bubba — leading designers and marketers of on-the-go thermal and hydration beverage containers — provide immediate access to this attractive market, adding significant value as a complement to our existing Rubbermaid Consumer food and beverage business. These brands are renowned for their differentiated design and patent-protected product functionality. Contigo and bubba give us market penetration and leadership across price tiers in prime retail channels.
Baby Jogger, a designer and marketer of premium strollers, is the perfect upmarket complement to our trusted Graco® brand. Perhaps best known for its award-winning City Mini® stroller, Baby Jogger offers a full line of quality products designed for modern, urban, active parents. With sales in more than 70 countries, Baby Jogger also enhances the scale of our Baby business in geographic markets outside North America.
