Snapshot from Sep 04, 2026 at 07:00 UTC. For live data and tracking: View Live
Events / Business / KKR acquires Ci FLAVORS
Business acquisition

KKR acquires Ci FLAVORS

Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Aug 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Sentiment
20
Attention
3
Articles
6
Market Impact
General
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Market Impact

The acquisition is expected to positively impact KKR & Co.'s portfolio by adding a growing beauty platform with international expansion potential, potentially enhancing returns for its investors. For Ci FLAVORS, the deal provides access to KKR & Co.'s global network and resources, likely accelerating its growth and expansion plans, while L Catterton exits its investment, realizing returns.

Beauty Consumer Goods Private Equity
Event Summary

KKR & Co., a leading global investment firm, has agreed to acquire Ci FLAVORS, a Japanese beauty and lifestyle brand platform, from all existing shareholders including founder Yusaku Horiuchi, L Catterton, eBeauty Group, and Yanagi Capital Partners. The transaction, announced on August 24, 2026, will be made through KKR & Co.'s flagship Asia Pacific private equity strategy. Financial terms were not disclosed. Ci FLAVORS, founded in 2011, operates a portfolio of haircare, skincare, body care, and lifestyle brands including &honey, 8 THE THALASSO, unlabel, THERATIS, and MOROCCAN BEAUTY. The company has a strong presence in Japan's haircare market and has expanded internationally, particularly in Asia and North America. Founder Yusaku Horiuchi and CEO Yoshiaki Okura will reinvest alongside KKR & Co., maintaining ownership exposure. L Catterton, which invested in Ci FLAVORS in 2022, will exit its stake. KKR & Co. plans to support Ci FLAVORS' growth in Japan and international expansion, leveraging its consumer-sector network and operational expertise. The acquisition adds to KKR & Co.'s portfolio of consumer and beauty investments, including Wella Company, Fresha, Walmart — Seiyu Group, V3 Group, and VT Cosmetics.

Key Actions
100 KKR & Co. acquired Ci FLAVORS
60 L Catterton sold Ci FLAVORS
40 Yusaku Horiuchi reinvested
40 Yoshiaki Okura reinvested
Entities Involved
stock
KKR & Co.
KKR & Co. is the acquirer, expanding its consumer portfolio with Ci FLAVORS, a leading Japanese beauty platform. The deal aligns with KKR & Co.'s strategy of investing in consumer businesses and is expected to generate returns through growth and international expansion.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 20.0
priv
Ci FLAVORS
Ci FLAVORS is the target company, being acquired by KKR & Co.. The acquisition provides access to KKR & Co.'s global network and resources, likely accelerating its growth and international expansion, and enhancing its corporate value.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 30.0
priv
L Catterton
L Catterton is the selling shareholder, exiting its investment in Ci FLAVORS after holding it since 2022. The sale likely realizes gains and frees capital for other investments, reflecting positively on its investment performance.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment 20.0
per
Yusaku Horiuchi
Yusaku Horiuchi is the founder of Ci FLAVORS and a selling shareholder. He will reinvest alongside KKR & Co., maintaining ownership and continuing to be involved in the company's growth.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment 20.0
per
Yoshiaki Okura
Yoshiaki Okura is the CEO of Ci FLAVORS and will reinvest alongside KKR & Co., ensuring continuity of leadership and alignment with the new owner.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment 20.0
cnt
Japan
Japan is the home market of Ci FLAVORS, where the company has a strong presence in the haircare market. The acquisition highlights continued foreign investment in Japanese consumer brands.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment 10.0
priv
eBeauty Group
eBeauty Group is a selling shareholder, exiting its investment in Ci FLAVORS as part of the acquisition.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment 10.0
priv
Yanagi Capital Partners
Yanagi Capital Partners is a selling shareholder, exiting its investment in Ci FLAVORS as part of the acquisition.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment 10.0
priv
Wella Company
Wella Company is a prior KKR & Co. investment in the beauty sector, referenced as part of KKR & Co.'s consumer portfolio. The acquisition of Ci FLAVORS may complement this investment.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 5.0
priv
Fresha
Fresha is a prior KKR & Co. investment in the beauty and wellness industry, referenced as part of KKR & Co.'s consumer portfolio. The acquisition of Ci FLAVORS may complement this investment.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 5.0
subs
Walmart — Seiyu Group
Walmart — Seiyu Group is a prior KKR & Co. investment in Japan, referenced as part of KKR & Co.'s consumer portfolio. The acquisition of Ci FLAVORS may complement this investment.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 5.0
priv
V3 Group
V3 Group is a prior KKR & Co. investment in the lifestyle and wellness sector, referenced as part of KKR & Co.'s consumer portfolio. The acquisition of Ci FLAVORS may complement this investment.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 5.0
priv
VT Cosmetics
VT Cosmetics is a prior KKR & Co. investment in the personal care sector, referenced as part of KKR & Co.'s consumer portfolio. The acquisition of Ci FLAVORS may complement this investment.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 5.0
Relationships
KKR & Co. related ↔ Japan
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