Shiseido sells Zirh and Corduroy to former Zirh president

Tina Milton

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Shiseido has sold the Zirh and Corduroy brands to a group of private investors led by former Zirh president Brian Robinson

Shiseido has signed an agreement to sell Zirh men’s skincare and fragrance brand and Corduroy men’s fragrance brand, currently marketed by subsidiary Zirh International, to a group of private investors led by former Zirh president Brian Robinson. Robinson was the president of Zirh International from November 1998 through August 2004.

Following the transaction, Zirh International will be renamed ZIC Corp and will continue to function as a subsidiary of Shiseido, exclusively marketing and selling the John Varvatos brand of men’s skincare and fragrances.

Shiseido International Corporation and Zirh International Corp chairman and CEO Shuichi Tanaka said: “This sale is a strategic decision that will benefit the loyal customers of the Zirh and Corduroy brands. This will allow us to focus our strengths and invest business resources in the John Varvatos brand and our Shiseido men’s skincare line. Brian Robinson has unique experience in the men’s skincare market as well as an intimate working knowledge of the Zirh brand. This transaction will provide the brands with a business structure better suited for their growth and expansion.”

Robinson said: “While I am extremely proud of the accomplishments and performance of Zirh in the past, I am very confident in the brands and even more excited about the future prospects and strategic opportunities.”