According to the Nikkei Asian Review, Ci:z Holdings, the maker of Dr. Ci:Labo cosmetics, has partnered with Johnson & Johnson; a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson will purchase 19.9% of Ci:z, making it Ci:z's second-largest shareholder.
The move strengthens Johnson & Johnson’s Neutrogena skin care business, bettering its access to markets in China and Taiwan. Expansion into Europe is expected down the road.
As part of the agreement, Johnson & Johnson will transfer two board members to Ci:z, while Johnson & Johnson retains the sales rights to Ci:z's main cosmetics lines for regions outside of Japan.