German giant bets on premium hair care as Olaplex seeks growth revival
German consumer goods company Henkel has agreed to acquire premium hair care brand Olaplex in a deal valued at approximately US$1.4 billion, marking a significant move in the global beauty and personal care market.
Under the agreement, Henkel will pay around US$2.06 per share, representing a notable premium over Olaplex’s recent trading price. The transaction has already received approval from Olaplex’s board and its controlling shareholder, Advent International, which is expected to exit its investment once the deal is completed. Speaking about this development, Samir Srivastav, CEO of Looks Salon commented, “It will give a jump to the Schwarzkoph distribution and acceptance to salons.”
The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Once finalized, Olaplex will be delisted from Nasdaq but will continue to operate under its existing brand name.
Henkel said the move aligns with its strategy to strengthen its presence in the premium hair care segment. The company already owns well-known brands such as Schwarzkopf and sees Olaplex as a complementary addition, particularly due to its science-led positioning and strong following among professional stylists and consumers.
Olaplex, founded in 2014, gained popularity for its bond-building hair repair technology but has faced challenges in recent years amid rising competition and slowing growth.
For Henkel, the deal is part of a broader push to expand its beauty portfolio through acquisitions and tap into higher-margin premium categories. Analysts note that combining Olaplex’s strong presence in North America with Henkel’s global distribution network could unlock new growth opportunities and innovation.
