KKR to acquire Japanese beauty platform Ci FLAVORS

Portfolio includes &honey and 8 THE THALASSO.

KKR and L Catterton have signed definitive agreements for funds managed by KKR to acquire Japanese beauty and lifestyle brand platform Ci FLAVORS Co., Ltd. from all existing shareholders.

The deal covers stakes held by Ci FLAVORS founder Yusaku Horiuchi, L Catterton, eBeauty Group and Yanagi Capital Partners. Horiuchi and CEO Yoshiaki Okura will reinvest alongside KKR.

Founded in 2011, Ci FLAVORS owns beauty brands including &honey, 8 THE THALASSO, unlabel, THERATIS and MOROCCAN BEAUTY.

The company sells haircare, skincare, body care and lifestyle products through brand sales, OEM manufacturing, direct-to-consumer and e-commerce channels, as well as directly managed department stores.

Ci FLAVORS has an established presence in Japan’s haircare market, particularly in shampoos and hair treatments, whilst also expanding its overseas sales across Asia and North America.