L Catterton Asia Makes Strategic Investment in Ci Flavors

L Catterton, one of the largest global consumer-focused private equity firms, announces that its Asia fund has made a strategic investment in Ci Flavors, which owns Cosme Company, a leading multi-brand beauty and personal care company in Japan focused on haircare and skincare. 

 

The firm will partner with Ci Flavors’ management team to bolster the Company's growth through strategic initiatives such as enhancing new brand development and accelerating international expansion.

 

“We are excited about the next stage of our growth and believe L Catterton is the right partner for the journey ahead. As the experts in consumer investing, the firm brings in-depth understanding of the global beauty and personal care market,” said Ci Flavors President Yusaku Horiuchi. “It has a proven track record of creating value and we look forward to leveraging its distinctive sector expertise and extensive network of industry contacts as we further enhance our portfolio, enlarge our international footprint, and enrich customers' experiences.”

 

L Catterton has significant experience investing globally in the beauty and personal care space. Current and past investments in the space include Etvos, Elemis, Bliss, Intercos, Marubi, Cover FX, Function of Beauty, Tula, Sociolla, and Merit.

 

Ci Flavors boasts a strong portfolio of products, particularly in the mid-end segment of the Japanese haircare market, which has been growing faster than other segments. These products are sold widely throughout the country, especially in drugstores, the dominant sales channel for segment.

 

Building on its success, Ci Flavors continues to expand its portfolio of 37 brands and deepen its presence in drugstores. Its products, which enjoy best-in-class customer reviews and repurchase rates, are regularly refreshed to resonate with consumers. Coupled with its strategic introduction of new brands and sizeable social media following, the Company's pipeline of attractive products positions it to further penetrate key channels. In addition, Ci Flavors has ventured abroad into 25 markets around the world, with a focus on China, where it is experiencing steady growth.

 

“Ci Flavors has built a strong business, achieving a leading position in Japan and making inroads overseas,” said L Catterton Asia Partner Taka Shimizu. “The mid-end segment of the country's haircare market has robust fundamentals and is expected to continue expanding, driven by consumers who are increasingly seeking innovative products in the space. Led by an experienced senior management team, the Company is poised to capture growth opportunities, and we are excited about its prospects.”