L’Oréal USA has signed a merger agreement with Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Inc. (PBL), the manufacturer of the Clarisonic line of skin care devices.
PBL, which was established in 2001, 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-retail, television shopping, and www.clarisonic.com. PBL has 300 employees and recently relocated to its new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Redmond, Washington. This facility significantly increases production capacity of Clarisonic products, currently sold throughout the United States as well as in the UK, Australia, Mexico, Canada and the Asia-Pacific region.
While L’Oréal will contribute its marketing, distribution and R&D capabilites to PBL, it will also increase its foothold in the skin care device market.
Upon closing of the transaction, the Clarisonic brand will join the portfolio of L’Oréal Luxe. The merger, subject to the approval of PBL’s shareholders and other closing conditions, is expected to close in December 2011.