Kao Group Acquires Sunscreen Brand Bondi Sands Valued A$450 Million

With the acquisition of Bondi Sands, the Kao Group will focus even more on the skin protection category to establish a firm position globally in the sunscreen and self-tanning markets.

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Kao Corporation, a leading manufacturer and marketer of beauty brands, has announced its acquisition of Bondi Sands, a renowned Australian sun product company specializing in self-tanning, suncare, skincare, and body products.

The acquisition includes Bondi Sands Australia Pty Ltd and related companies, and the terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The deal is valued at A$450 million ($294.3 million), according to The Australian Financial Review.

Bondi Sands offers high-quality and distinctive formulations combined with sustainable practices, which have gained a loyal consumer base in over 32 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In Australia, the company has a leading share of the self-tanning market, enabling consumers to achieve a beautiful, healthy tan without the damaging effects of the sun.

With the acquisition of Bondi Sands, the Kao Group will focus even more on the skin protection category to establish a firm position globally in the sunscreen and self-tanning markets. The Kao Group has positioned skincare as one of the key growth drivers in its mid-term management plan. 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.

Bondi Sands was founded in 2012 in Melbourne, Australia, and quickly grew a strong following by consumers worldwide. The brand's commitment to quality, affordability, inclusive product offerings, and sustainability has contributed to its success in the suncare and self-tanning industry.

According to Karen Frank, President of Kao Consumer Care Business, Americas and EMEA, Bondi Sands is an incredible brand and a perfect fit for the Kao Consumer Care Business portfolio. She further stated that the addition of Bondi Sands to their brand family will greatly advance their mission to be the preeminent leader in the global skin protection business.

Shaun Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO of Bondi Sands, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that Kao's values and principles match those of Bondi Sands, and they both share an unyielding commitment to delivering innovative products that protect the skin and enhance the lives of their valued customers worldwide. With the integration of Kao's renowned scientific and technological resources into their operations, he believes this partnership will significantly contribute to the exponential growth of the Bondi Sands brand, empowering them to further expand their product offerings and advance their research and development initiatives.