KDC/ONE acquires French beauty manufacturer Alkos

02-Jul-2019 - Last updated on 02-Jul-2019 at 18:53 GMT

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Recently, Canadian cosmetics and personal care manufacturer KDC/ONE has been growing steadily, opening new laboratory facilities in 2018 and again early this year, and acquiring several businesses to strategically bolster the company’s capabilities in and beyond North America.

Today KDC/ONE announced the acquisition of Paris, France – based Alkos Group (three business in one: INTER Cosmétiques, SAGAL Cosmétiques, and ALKOS Cosmétiques). KDC/ONE is itself owned by Cornell Capital and has been since 2018 when the private investment firm (founded by former Goldman Sach’s executive Henry Cornell) took over in a leveraged buyout.

And it’s since that buyout that KDC/ONE has been expanding rapidly. In July of last year, the manufacturer opened an innovation lab in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. The 13,000 square-foot facility exists to advance formulation and ingredient tech throughout the company, but also as a workshop where KDC/ONE customers can “work directly with chemists… test and try products in the Glam Bar and take advantage of the vast on-site formula library,” according to a media release

In February, KDC/ONE opened a new research and innovation lab in Knowlton, Québec, to support the company’s growing personal health and beauty businesses. (KDC/ONE serves not only a spectrum of beauty and fragrance makers: in color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, bath and body care, fine fragrance and home fragrance and deodorant; but also the health care and OTC industries, home care, industrial cleaners, and automotive care.) And the company has made several strategic acquisitions in recent months.

Buying a French beauty business

Now today, KDC/ONE has announced the acquisition of Alkos. A move meant to further bolster business by giving KDC/ONE “a premier partner in the European market and an expanded global presence in the high-growth cosmetics industry,” according to the company’s media release.

Giving a bit more insight in the company’s decision to buy Alkos, Nicholas Whitley, president and CEO of KDC/ONE says, “Alkos Group has deep roots in the cosmetics sector, an excellent reputation for product quality and innovation, and a customer-focused vision that will provide KDC/ONE with strategic access to the European market and unique technologies that reinforces our position as a leader in prestige beauty.”

For Alkos, the deal is an opportunity to buttress its current business and reach into new markets. “With KDC/ONE, the ALKOS Group will have access to the capital needed to continue making essential investments in its business and its products, solidifying its leading market position,” Gérard Gieux, founding owner of ALKOS Group, tells the press. “The Alkos Group,” he adds, “is excited to enter new markets and continue to deliver quality products to new and existing customers alongside a trusted partner that shares similar values to ensure the sustainability and long-term growth of Alkos Group.”

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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.