Shiseido to acquire US prestige skincare brand Drunk Elephant

Shiseido acquisition of Drunk Elephant : Japanese personal care company Shiseido said that its US subsidiary – Shiseido Americas has agreed to acquire prestige skincare brand Drunk Elephant for an undisclosed price.

The transaction is expected to bolster Shiseido’s position in the international prestige skincare market.

Drunk Elephant was established by Tiffany Masterson in 2012 as a solutions-oriented, cross-generational brand for various skin types. Its curated range of iconic hero products is said to be made up of biocompatible ingredients that benefit the skin’s health, while supporting the effectiveness of the formulations.

Shiseido acquisition of Drunk Elephant. Photo courtesy of Business Wire.

According to the Japanese personal care company, Drunk Elephant will be able to make use of its global platform and resources to grow into new and existing markets in the Americas and internationally including Asia and Europe.

Shiseido’s Global Innovation Center and Digital Center of Excellence will offer its expertise and a support network to maximize Drunk Elephant’s opportunities for growth and development in all channels.

Commenting on Shiseido acquisition of Drunk Elephant, Masahiko Uotani – President and CEO of Shiseido, said: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Drunk Elephant, one of the fastest-growing prestige skincare brands in history. This transaction is squarely aligned with Shiseido’s VISION 2020 goal of accelerating growth and creating value through strategic partnerships.

“Drunk Elephant’s approach strongly resonates with its highly engaged and loyal consumers, who value the integrity and effectiveness of Drunk Elephant’s formulations combined with a fun, curious approach.”

Upon closing of the deal, Drunk Elephant will operate within Shiseido Americas. Tiffany Masterson, the Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Drunk Elephant will continue in her role as Chief Creative Officer and take up the additional role of President.

Tiffany Masterson, commenting on Shiseido acquisition of Drunk Elephant, said: “I started this business as an industry outsider, and from the beginning I did things a little differently. To join with a powerhouse beauty company such as Shiseido that leads the industry in innovation and global excellence is a dream come true for me and for Drunk Elephant.

“We share similar values, most importantly an unwavering commitment to the consumer. I chose a partner who will let the brand continue to be itself, with the same formulations and the same team.”

Jefferies is the financial advisor to Shiseido Americas, while Jones Day is the legal counsel. For Drunk Elephant, Financo and Moelis & Company are the financial advisors with Sidley Austin being the legal counsel.

Shiseido acquisition of Drunk Elephant will be subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions and is likely to be wrapped up by the year end.