Japan’s Kao Corporation, the country’s leading beauty and personal care company, acquired John Frieda Professional Hair Care for $450 million.

John Frieda built its world-renowned reputation through creative product innovation, coming up with the Frizz-Ease, Sheer Blonde and Beach Blonde brands. The acquisition gave Kao an entry into the lucrative U.S. hair care market. At the time of the acquisition, over 30% of Kao’s $6.3 billion in sales was generated by beauty, and 21% generated internationally. Kao has further established itself in the beauty market with its 2003 acquisition of skincare Kanebo.

Dyens & Co. acted as the exclusive advisors to John Frieda.