Kao Corporation, a renowned player in the beauty industry based in Japan, has announced an agreement through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kao Australia Pty. Limited and Kao USA Inc., to acquire Bondi Sands brands. The acquisition will be done through Bondi Sands Australia Pty Ltd and related Bondi Sands companies.
Kao Corporation, known for its UV care technologies, is currently honing its focus on the skin protection category. This is a part of their mid-term strategy aimed at bolstering growth in the group’s global skincare business. Karen Frank, Kao’s president of consumer care business, Americas and EMEA, has stated that the inclusion of Bondi Sands will significantly enhance their aim to become the leading name in the global skin protection industry.
Bondi Sands, named after Australia’s famous beach, was established in Melbourne, Australia, by Blair James and Shaun Wilson in 2012. The brand is renowned for its range of sun care and skin care products, such as broad spectrum sunscreens, self-tanning foams, and post-sun exposure solutions.
Kao Corporation, founded by Tomiro Nagase in 1887, is one of Japan’s oldest companies in the beauty industry. Initially, it was a dealer of Western sundry goods and later produced high-quality facial soaps and beauty products. It has a history of international acquisitions including British fragrance specialist Molton Brown, hair care brand John Frieda, and Japanese heritage cosmetics company Kanebo.
Kao’s current product portfolio comprises salon products and styling tools from brands like Goldwell, KMS, Oribe, Kerasilk, and Varis, consumer brands like Guhl, Bioré, Jergens, Curél, Wakati, MegRhythm, and Japanese cosmetics brands such as Sensai, Est, Suqqu, Lissage, Lunasol, and Alblanc.
