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Henkel Buys Olaplex for $1.4 B, Expands Hair‑Care Reach

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Henkel, the German consumer‑goods giant behind Schwarzkopf and Persil, agreed to buy California‑based Olaplex Holdings for roughly $1.4 billion. The deal values the premium hair‑care brand at $2.06 a share, a 55% premium over its closing price on Wednesday. The transaction expands Henkel’s already sizable hair‑care portfolio.

Olaplex’s board approved the sale, and controlling shareholder Advent International gave its consent, according to Henkel. The offer represents a significant jump from the company’s $13.6 billion IPO valuation of $21 a share. Investors see the move as a chance to tap a high‑margin segment in the beauty market.

Henkel has been on an acquisition spree this year, adding North American hair‑care brand Not Your Mother’s, coatings firm Stahl, and a majority stake in UK building manufacturer Wetherby Laroc. The company aims to strengthen growth in its adhesive and consumer units by diversifying into premium beauty and construction materials.

The purchase positions Henkel to compete more aggressively in the high‑margin hair‑care segment, where Olaplex commands a loyal customer base and premium pricing. By integrating Olaplex’s technology and distribution, Henkel can leverage its global supply chain to boost margins across its consumer‑goods portfolio, potentially driving higher earnings for shareholders.