Japanese cosmetics giant Kosé Corporation has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire New York based colour cosmetics and skin care brand Tarte, Inc. Acquiring the North American brand will give the company a new source of growth outside of Japan, in line with its Medium-Term Management Plan strategy of “concentrating on growth drivers”.
Up until now, Kosé’s operations outside Japan have mostly been in Asia and the ASEAN region. The company said it is “now starting to increase the pace of becoming a more global organisation by entering countries where [it] does not have a presence.”
Tarte’s products are based on naturally derived ingredients and are sold primarily in the US through premium distribution channels such as Sephora, Ulta and Macy’s Impulse, as well as on its own website and on TV through QVC. The company’s products are popular among women in their 20s and 30s and sales have grown consistently since Tarte began operations in 1999.
“By acquiring Tarte, Kosé plans to heighten its stature in North America while continuing to expand overseas operations and add new sales channels and customers,” the company said. The closing of the acquisition is subject to anti- trust clearance in the US as well as other customary closing conditions.
Kosé Corporation manufactures a range of prestige and everyday brands including Cosme Decorte, Beauté de Kosé and Sekkisei.
