Recent personal care M&A trends reflects a post-COVID market evolution, with private equity filling the gap left by more cautious strategic buyers, who struggle with social media-driven, digitally native brands.
Two deals announced on September 2 by personal care product manufacturers, an acquisition of Solo Laboratories by Bradford, and a licensing agreement with RiKarbon, Inc. by Pilot Chemical Company, represent the shift in how personal care M&A is broadening beyond traditional strategic buyers.
Bradford expands capabilities through Solo Labs acquisition
Bradford, a Gemspring Capital portfolio company and long-time developer of solid personal care products, acquired Solo Laboratories, a specialist in liquids and aerosols. In a company press release, Bradford stated that the combination creates “a unified manufacturing platform designed to accelerate innovation across solid, liquid, and aerosol product categories.”
Bradford CEO Shaun Gaus commented, “Solo Labs has a well-established reputation for flexibility and innovation, and we’re excited to welcome their team and customers into the Bradford family.” Solo Labs President Jim Jackson added, “This acquisition ensures continuity for our customers while giving us the opportunity to offer an expanded set of products.”
Kristin Steen, Managing Director at Gemspring Capital, further described the deal as “transformational,” noting it expands capabilities while preserving the strengths of both organizations.
“By combining Bradford’s expertise in solids with our leadership in liquids and aerosols, we are well positioned to deliver new solutions and accelerate future growth together,” he said.
Established in 1927 and based in Broadview, Il., Solo Labs focuses on custom formulation and in-house manufacturing within the beauty and personal care sector, and runs three facilities producing an array of haircare, skincare and personal care products.
“Solo Labs has a well-established reputation for flexibility and innovation, and we’re excited to welcome their team and customers into the Bradford family,” said Gaus. “We look forward to working alongside their talented management team and employees and building on their strengths to create a broader platform that delivers even greater value and innovation to the market.”
Christopher Allen is a PBN staff writer. You may contact him at Allen@PBN.com.
