What's the connection between a Japanese manufacturer of household cleaners and British luxury body care and lifestyle brand Molton Brown? The latter has just been acquired by Kao Prestige, a division of Kao Corporation which manufactures and markets consumer products from laundry and household cleaners to baby care and personal care products, including the Kanebo brand.
Chief executive for Molton Brown Asia operations Adam Horler said the acquisition should not raise concerns about product quality and ethical practices which had given rise to a loyal fan base.
Business will be 'as usual', while the brand will benefit from the long-term development philosophy of Kao which suited the Molton Brown strategy to expand organically.
Since launching in Hong Kong last year, the British skin care brand had performed 'better than expected', Mr Horler said. From next month, Molton Brown will add eight new products to its men's range. Some of the products are natural extensions to existing items which are likely to appeal to those already familiar with and fans of specific product lines.
The Black Pepper Body Soother ($150), the Cassia Energy Sport body spray ($275) and the Skin Defence Daily Protector ($380) complement existing body washes and moisturisers.
Products with previously unused ingredients by the brand are also being introduced.
