Kao Corporation expands operation in Australia with acquisition of Bondi Sands

AUSTRALIA – Japan’s beauty giant Kao Corporation has announced an agreement to acquire Australian sun and body care brand Bondi Sands.

The operation, estimated to be worth A$450 million (US$292.94m), allows the group to strengthen its sun care business.

Founded in 2012 in Melbourne, Australia, Bondi Sands specializes in self-tanning, sun care, skincare and body products.

Named after Australia’s most iconic beach, the brand quickly grew a strong global following by consumers interested in its easy-to-use products claiming clean and sustainable formulation for a natural-looking tan.

In addition to their extensive self-tanning assortment, Bondi Sands offers a range of sun and skin care products, including broad-spectrum sunscreens designed to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as after-sun products to soothe and nourish the skin post-sun exposure.

Bondi Sands sun care products are available in over 32 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In Australia, where sun care awareness is extremely high, Bondi Sands has a leading share of the self-tanning market, enabling consumers to achieve a tan without the damaging effects of the sun.

Karen Frank, President, Consumer Care Business, Americas and EMEA at Kao Corporation said: “Bondi Sands is an incredible brand and a perfect fit for the Kao Consumer Care Business portfolio.

“The addition of Bondi Sands to our consumer family of brands will greatly advance our mission to be the preeminent leader in the global skin protection business and continue our journey of offering diverse products that promote a ‘Kirei’ lifestyle that is healthy, inclusive and sustainable for all.”

Meanwhile, Kao Group has positioned skincare as one of the key growth drivers in its mid-term management plan.

With the acquisition of Bondi Sands, Kao will put an even greater focus on the skin protection category, to establish a firm position globally in the sunscreen and self-tanning markets.

Kao intends to leverage its expertise in UV care and self-tanning technologies to expand Bondi Sands’ global business portfolio and further accelerate its business growth.

Shaun Wilson, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer of Bondi Sands added: “The integration of Kao’s renowned scientific and technological resources into our operations is an unparalleled opportunity that will significantly contribute to the exponential growth of our brand, empowering us to further expand our product offerings and advance our research and development initiatives.

With this partnership, we can now confidently explore untapped markets, reach more customers around the world and continue to fulfill our company mission.”

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