The beauty group behind OPI and Clairol plans a New York listing as consumer brands regain investor interest and its latest results improve.
Wella Company, the beauty group behind OPI, Clairol and Wella Professionals, has filed for an initial public offering in the United States, setting the stage for a potential return to public markets after years under private ownership.
The company reported revenue of $2.94 billion for the year ended June 30, 2026, up from $2.69 billion a year earlier. Its latest filing also showed net income of $2.7 million, compared with a net loss of $44.6 million in the previous year. The figures indicate a return to profitability, although the company has not disclosed the size or pricing of the proposed offering.
Wella intends to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WELA”. Goldman Sachs, BofA Securities, KKR and J.P. Morgan are among the underwriters named in the filing. The proposed listing would give the company access to public-market investors while offering KKR a potential route to realise part of its investment.
The company has been controlled by KKR since the investment firm acquired a 60% stake from beauty conglomerate Coty in 2020. The transaction valued Wella at $4.3 billion, including debt. KKR subsequently increased its holding, purchasing the remaining 25.8% stake for $750 million in December 2025.
Wella’s roots stretch back to 1880, when German hairdresser Franz Ströher established a business producing hair tulle for wigs. The company later expanded through acquisitions and developed into a global hair and nail care business.
Its portfolio now includes professional and consumer brands such as OPI, Clairol, Sebastian Professional and Nioxin. Wella operates in more than 100 countries and employs over 6,000 people, giving the group a broad international presence across salons and retail channels.
The filing comes as consumer companies return to the IPO market following a prolonged period of subdued listing activity. A stronger run of offerings in 2026 has encouraged more retail-focused businesses to seek public investment.
Permira-backed womenswear company Reformation raised $211 million through its IPO last month, while fashion retailer Tailored Brands has also filed to list in New York. Wella joins these businesses in testing whether investors are ready to back established consumer brands again.
The beauty group’s proposed valuation has not been announced. Reuters reported earlier this year that KKR had been preparing Wella for a listing that could value the company above the $4.3 billion level attached to its initial acquisition. The IPO filing now moves that process into a more formal stage.
The offering’s final size, pricing and timing will depend on market conditions and regulatory approvals. For Wella, the proposed listing follows a period of ownership changes, portfolio development and improved financial performance, while placing one of the beauty industry’s larger international groups back in the public-market spotlight.
