L’Oréal USA To Acquire Clarisonic

Established in 2001, PBL developed its patented technology, enabling a series of highly popular products under the Clarisonic brand, including the Clarisonic Classic, Clarisonic Mia, Clarisonic Plus and Pro, and the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System.The firm recorded sales of $105 million in fiscal 2010.

“This is a strategic acquisition for L’Oréal,” said Frédéric Rozé, president and CEO of L’Oréal USA. “Devices are rapidly emerging globally as an important new skin care category. Clarisonic is successful and the fast growing premium brand in this segment. We think that together with PBL, we will create in Redmond an outstanding center of innovation for L’Oréal. Upon closing of the transaction, the Clarisonic brand will join the portfolio of L’Oréal Luxe and benefit from its worldwide presence.”

PBL has grown rapidly since the Clarisonic launch in 2004. The company’s broad distribution network covers six diverse and interdependent channels: dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons, spas, prestige retail, e-tail, television shopping and online.The firm has 300 employees and recently relocated to a new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Redmond, WA.

“L’Oréal brings powerful marketing, distribution, and R&D synergy to the Clarisonic agenda,” said David Giuliani, CEO and co-founder of PBL. “L’Oréal shares our vision for ingenuity and dedication to quality. Combining forces, we’re confident Clarisonic will rapidly achieve its global mission, to provide the power to change the future of your skin.”

The merger, subject to the approval of PBL’s shareholders and other closing conditions, is expected to close next month.