Beauty giant Kao Corporation has announced an agreement to acquire Australian sun and body care brand Bondi Sands. The Kao Group is known as a leading manufacturer and marketer of globally recognised beauty brands such as John Frieda, Jergens, Curél and Bioré. The operation, estimated to be worth 450 million Australian dollars, allows the group to strengthen its sun care business.
Bondi Sands suncare products are available in over 32 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With a loyal consumer base, Bondi Sands has a leading share of the self tanning market, enabling consumers to achieve a beautiful, healthy tan without the damaging effects of the sun.
The Kao Group has positioned skincare as one of the key growth drivers in its mid-term management plan. With the acquisition of Bondi Sands, Kao will put an even greater focus on the skin protection category, helping consumers to protect their skin from external environmental factors to establish a firm position globally in the sunscreen and self tanning markets. By leveraging Kao’s vast UV care technologies in the Japanese market and self tanning technologies in the U.S. market, Kao will expand its global business portfolio and further accelerate its business growth. Consistent with its vision of protecting future lives, the Kao Group will continue to invest in and seek aggressive investments for global growth with a focus on skin protection.
Founded in 2012 in Melbourne, Australia, Bondi Sands specialises in self-tanning, suncare, skincare and body products. Inspired by Australia’s most iconic beach and a desire to make the ultimate tan accessible to everyone, their premium quality formulas work to give you an even, naturally golden tan that hydrates and nourishes your skin meaning you stay bronzed for longer. Overall, Bondi Sands is renowned for its range of self-tanning, suncare, and skincare products that provide a natural-looking tan and protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Kao will expand its global business portfolio and further accelerate its business growth. Consistent with its vision of protecting future lives, the Kao Group will continue to invest in and seek aggressive investments for global growth with a focus on skin protection.
“Bondi Sands is an incredible brand and a perfect fit for the Kao Consumer Care Business portfolio,” said Karen Frank, President, Consumer Care Business, Americas and EMEA at Kao Corporation. “Quality, innovation, environmental responsibility, accessibility and community are at the forefront of everything it does, ideally aligning Bondi Sands to our own brand values and corporate philosophy, which we call the ‘Kao Way’.” She added.
“The addition of Bondi Sands to our consumer family of brands will greatly advance our mission to be the preeminent leader in the global skin protection business and continue our journey of offering diverse products that promote a ‘Kirei’ lifestyle that is healthy, inclusive and sustainable for all,” she continued.
“The integration of Kao’s renowned scientific and technological resources into our operations is an unparalleled opportunity that will significantly contribute to the exponential growth of our brand, empowering us to further expand our product offerings and advance our research and development initiatives. With this partnership, we can now confidently explore untapped markets, reach more customers around the world and continue to fulfill our company mission,” said Shaun Wilson, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer of Bondi Sands.
