Kao has acquired John Frieda. John Frieda was advised to Michel Dyens & Co.
Japan's Kao Corporation, the country's leading beauty and personal care company, acquired John Frieda Professional Hair Care for $450 million.
John Frieda built its world-renowned reputation through creative product innovation, coming up with the Frizz-Ease, Sheer Blonde and Beach Blonde brands. The acquisition gave Kao an entry into the lucrative U.S. hair care market. At the time of the acquisition, over 30% of Kao's $6.3 billion in sales was generated by beauty, and 21% generated internationally. Kao has further established itself in the beauty market with its 2003 acquisition of skincare Kanebo.
Michel Dyens & Co. acted as the exclusive advisors to John Frieda.
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Top-10 stories of 2002, the top-5 beauty stories, KAO & Frieda
KAO Corp. snares John Frieda haircare for $450m
Japan's KAO to pay $450m for John Frieda