Add to Favorite
Magazine 
Magazine
Kao purchases Molton BrownKao purchases Molton Brown
Tina Milton
18-Jul-2005
The Japanese company focuses on its prestige cosmetics business as it completes the purchase of Molton Brown
Kao Corp has acquired Molton Brown from European private equity fund Bridgepoint Capital and the Molton Brown management team for £170m ($300m). The company bought 100% of the UK brand through its newly established UK subsidiary Kao Prestige. The acquisition offers Kao greater access to the global health and beauty markets, and it expects to achieve synergies with Kao's beauty care businesses through coordination with its Kao Brands subsidiary. A company statement said: "Kao believes that its global expansion in the prestige cosmetics business will lead to profitable growth."Molton Brown's portfolio focuses on skincare, haircare and bath and body products. Its products are distributed in over 70 countries and have strong presence in department stores, supported by a network of stand-alone stores. It has an exclusive agreement with British Airways, providing the airline with Molton Brown kits on selected international routes, and is also growing its airport spa business.
Bookmark This Article
•
•
•
•
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
FacebookYour Comments On This Article
Related Stories
Articles bearing the symbol 
require subscription.
(1-Aug-2005) - Kao Corp has acquired UK brand Molton Brown for £170m ($297.5m) from European private equity fund Bridgepoint Capital and the Molton Brown management team
(10-Mar-2001) -
(14-Jul-2005) - The Japanese conglomerate is seeking to bolster its European beauty presence with the luxury UK brand
(18-Jun-2003) - By Jane Labous
(15-Oct-2006) - More cosmetic news