Kao Corporation President and CEO: Motoki Ozaki announces that the Company, through its subsidiary Kao Corporation GmbH, entered into agreements on June 18, 2009, for acquiring a plant for premium hair care products in Germany to enhance its beauty care business base in Europe. Kao Corporation GmbH plans to commence production at the plant starting on July 1.
Kao Corporation GmbH will acquire plant-related assets (building and production facilities) of Reichardt International AG (Head office: Darmstadt, Germany), which produces premium hair care products, such as hair colors. Reichardt International was a major consignee for Kao's main subsidiaries:KPSS-Kao Professional Salon Services GmbH (Head office: Darmstadt, Germany), which markets hair care products for the salon business, focusing on Europe; and Kao Brands Europe Limited (Head office: London, UK), which markets premium hair care and skin care products.
With this acquisition, Kao Group will develop its core production base for the beauty care business in Europe, which allows Kao to establish a more efficient and stable supply chain system.
Outline of acquiring Plant - Eberstadt Plant * Corporate name: Reichardt International AG * Number of employees: 160 * Site area: 26,300 square meters
Outline of Kao Corporation 1. Corporate name: Kao Corporation 2. Business activities: Production and sales of consumer products, cosmetics, chemical products for industrial use, and others 3. Number of employees: 5,854 (Kao Group: 33,745) as of March 31. 2009