L'Oréal USA to acquire Pacific Bioscience Labs

NEW YORK and REDMOND, Wash. — L’Oréal USA has announced that it plans to acquire Pacific Bioscience Labs, the innovator of sonic skin care technology.

Established in 2001, PBL developed its patented technology, enabling a series of products under the Clarisonic brand that redefined consumers’ approach to skin care. These include the Clarisonic Classic, Clarisonic Mia, Clarisonic PLUS and PRO, and the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System.

PBL has grown rapidly since the Clarisonic launch in 2004. The company’s broad distribution network covers six diverse and interdependent channels: dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons, spas, prestige retail, e-tail, television shopping and Clarisonic.com. PBL has 300 employees and recently relocated to its new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Redmond, Wash. This facility significantly increases production capacity of Clarisonic products, currently sold throughout the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Canada and the Far East.

“This is a strategic acquisition for L’Oréal,” stated Frédéric Rozé, president and CEO of L’Oréal USA. “Devices are rapidly emerging globally as an important new skin care category. Clarisonic is successful and [is] the fast-growing premium brand in this segment. We think that together with PBL, we will create in Redmond an outstanding center of innovation for L’Oréal. Upon closing of the transaction, the Clarisonic brand will join the portfolio of L’Oréal Luxe and [will] benefit from its worldwide presence.”

The merger, subject to the approval of PBL’s shareholders and other closing conditions, is expected to close in December. PBL’s senior management team is expected to remain with L’Oréal USA.