Shiseido Americas CEO discusses Dr. Dennis Gross acquisition

Shideido Company, Ltd. subsidiary Shiseido Americas Corporation announced it has completed the acquisition of DDG Skincare Holdings LLC, owner of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare brand earlier this month. As detailed in its press release, the acquisition “aligns with Shiseido’s skin beauty strategic framework and enhances its geographic diversification and growth in the Americas region.”

For insights into why Shiseido Americas chose to acquire Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare as part of the Shiseido portfolio, including the brand’s unique attributes that qualified it as a good fit for acquisition, and how the transaction will play into Shiseido Americas long-term growth strategy as a global personal wellness company, we spoke to Ron Gee, Shiseido Americas President and CEO and Global M&A Leader for Shiseido to learn more.

“The perfect complement”

The decision to acquire Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare was a carefully calculated one that “further accelerates our growth and increases profitability in the Americas region,” said Gee.

Having “long admired Dr. Dennis Gross, Carrie Gross and the company’s best-in-class skincare products that are distinctive and highly effective,” he explained, “we were especially attracted to the company’s unique philosophy, one that is rooted in research, dermatology, innovation, and technology,” which also motivated the transaction.

Additionally, he shared, “Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is also a strong cultural fit – their core values are aligned with Shiseido’s scientific and innovative approach to beauty, making it the perfect complement to our diverse, global portfolio of exceptional brands.” Therefore, “the addition of a leading science-backed skincare brand specializing in scientific, and technology driven products is the perfect complement to Shiseido’s existing skincare offering.”

Further, he continued, “this acquisition enables us to expand access to dermatologist-led skincare solutions and create additional value within our already robust brand portfolio.” As a result, “not only is Dr. Dennis Gross a strong fit for our portfolio, but we have a rich history of nurturing and preserving each individual brand’s distinct identity and positioning and we plan to do the same in this case.”

Long-term growth strategy

In terms of Shiseido’s long-term growth strategy as a global personal wellness company, “this acquisition accelerates Shiseido’s continued focus on innovation and represents a natural extension of our commitment to drive the future of beauty and wellness,” Gee said.

Because “Dr. Dennis Gross’ focus on developing science-based formulations and bringing credible and effective products to everyday routines is perfectly aligned with our mission of making a difference in the lives of all people everywhere by helping them achieve healthier skin,” the brand therefore fit neatly into Shiseido’s plans for further growth and expansion within the skin care industry.

Moving forward, as “we view this acquisition as a natural extension of our commitment to drive the future of beauty and wellness,” said Gee, “in the near term, we are focused on integrating Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare into the Shiseido platform.”

In addition to being “excited to leverage our resources and expertise to accelerate Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s ambitious expansion plans,” he explained, Shiseido is “open to exploring new opportunities to complement our portfolio of leading personal care brands and drive innovation within the beauty and wellness industry.”

He concluded that “we are incredibly excited to welcome the Dr. Dennis Gross team to the Shiseido family, and are excited to work together to enable the brand to fully realize its enormous growth potential and advance our joint mission of bringing innovative skincare solutions to market.”