Melrose Park, IL
708.450.3000
www.alberto.com
Sales: $1.3 billion

Sales:
$1.3 billion for personal care and household products. Corporate sales: $1.4 billion. Net income: $119 million for the year ended Sept. 30, 2009

Key Personnel:
Carol Lavin Bernick, executive chairman; V. James Marino, president and chief executive officer; Gina Boswell, president, global brands; Richard J. Hynes, president, international; Casey Keller, president, U.S.; Richard Mewborn, senior vice president, global operations; Ralph J. Nicoletti, executive vice president and chief financial officer; Gary P. Schmidt, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary

Major Products:
Hair Care—Alberto VO5, TreSemmé, Nexxus, Motions, Just for Me, Soft & Beautiful; Skin Care—St. Ives, Noxzema. Household Care—Static Guard, Kleen Guard

New Products:
Nexxus Dualiste and TreSemmé 24-Hour Body, Nozxema Clean Blemish Control, Simple Heath & Beauty (acquisition)

Comments:
Sales dipped less than 1% last year. Beauty care accounted for 94% and the U.S. accounted for 64% of sales. U.S. sales increased 6.3% to $917 million thanks to higher sales of TreSemmé hair care products (3.6%) and Nexxus products (1.1%). In addition, the acquisition of Noxzema in October 2008 added approximately 3.8% to sales for fiscal year 2009. These increases were partially offset by lower sales from other brands including Alberto VO5 and St. Ives, as well as certain multicultural brands, the company said.

International sales fell 10.9% to $517 million, primarily due to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations

Fast Fact: One of every five cans of hair spray sold in the U.S. mass market is from Alberto Culver.

(20.0%), partially offset by higher sales of TreSemmé hair care products (5.7%) including the effect of the launch in Spain in the third quarter of 2008 and the Nordic region in the fourth quarter of 2009, as well as St. Ives (1.2%). The launch of Nexxus in Canada also contributed to the segment’s organic growth during the period.

But a new year caused new headaches for Alberto Culver, as a new computer system arrived with some glitches. Net sales for the first half of fiscal year 2010 increased 7.3% to $747.8 million, driven primarily by foreign currency fluctuations. U.S. sales fell 1.7%, despite strong growth of TreSemmé. Carol Lavin Bernick, executive chairman of the company, blamed the decline on U.S. service issues caused by plant closure and a switch to SAP software.

“While we are continuing to focus our efforts towards resolving our U.S. service issues, the balance that we have created between our international and U.S. businesses and our strong portfolio of brands has continued to allow us to produce positive results,” she insisted. “We will continue to focus on brand growth in all our markets and to resolve our U.S. service issues with urgency and tenacity.”

In product news, the 96-year-old Noxzema brand, best known for its blue jars and minty scent, is back for Summer 2010 with new products, updated packaging and a new advertising campaign. To celebrate its return, the company introduced new Clean Blemish Control formulations—specifically designed for adult skin to help prevent breakouts and blemishes—and a fresh partner to the brand, consulting dermatologist Hilary Reich.

“We’re thrilled that Noxzema will further strengthen the Alberto Culver skin care portfolio. With this re-launch, we’re bringing an iconic name, with years of history, to modern women, offering them the daily promise of a clean and fresh start,” said Cynthia Rolfe, vice president skin care, Alberto Culver.