Luxury organic beauty brand and its Asia distributor acquired by global firm

01-Jun-2016 - Last updated on 01-Jun-2016 at 11:52 GMT

John Masters Organics (JMO), luxury beauty and personal care brand, and Styla, its Japan and East Asia distributor, have been acquired by global equity firm Permira.

Permira has announced it will acquire a majority of shares in both companies for JPY 37 billion, meaning JMO will now join its portfolio of other global premium and lifestyle brands, including Hugo Boss and Valentino.

Founded in New York but especially dominant within Japan, JMO also distributes in more than 40 countries across the world, and following the acquisition, is set to further build on this international profile.

Ryo Fujii, Head of Japan at Permira stated:“We are very excited to announce this partnership [...] with a view to further develop John Masters Organics globally.

“Our goal is for the brand to continue its leadership in premium organic personal care and to provide access to John Masters Organics products and vision to an even wider audience.”

Organic: global demand

The appetite for organics and naturals when it comes to beauty is huge and growing.

According to latest forecasts from market research provider Grand View Research, the market value will reach USD$15.98 billion by the year 2020, and will continue to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% - rate that trumps all other industry categories.

Likewise, Kline Group estimated that the much larger natural cosmetics market hit $30 billion last year and also predicts that the CAGR for market will also grow at around 10% up to 2019.

Details of the deal

Permira will take on control of the combined businesses, while former owners John Masters (JMO founder) and Yoshimune Noda and Maiko Noda (Styla founders) will continue to be involved in the partnership’s leadership.

Yoshimune Noda, founder of Styla, described the acquisition as an opportunity to strengthen and grow the brand’s offering.

“With our expertise in distribution and product development together with the Permira funds’ brand experience, investment support and outstanding global network, I believe we can not only continue to deliver the highest quality organic products to our discerning customers, but [also] expand our offering to even better serve their needs.”