Kao Corporation announced that, through its subsidiary Kao Corporation GmbH, it has entered into agreements for acquiring a plant for the production of premium hair care products in Germany, toward enhancing its beauty care business base in Europe. Kao Corporation GmbH plans to commence production at the plant on July 1, 2009.
Kao Corporation GmbH will acquire plant-related assets of Reichardt International AG, which currently produces items such as hair coloring products. Reichardt International was a major consignee for Kao's main subsidiaries—KPSS-Kao Professional Salon Services GmbH, which markets hair care products for the European salon market, and Kao Brands Europe Limited, which markets premium hair and skin care products. With this acquisition, Kao Group will develop its core production base for the beauty care business in Europe, which allows Kao to establish a more efficient and stable supply chain system.