P&G buys up scalp care specialist Nioxin Research Laboratories

Building on its strength in scalp care category Procter & Gamble has acquired Nioxin Research Laboratories, which specializes in products for thinning hair.

Nioxin produces a range of products aimed at this category, which are distributed in both hair care salons and retail outlets in over 40 countries.

The company was founded by Eva Graham in 1987, who until now has overseen the privately-owned operation and taken responsibility for the development of the brand and its product range.

Comprehensive brand portfolio

The range is sold in kits, which includes products aimed at volumizing existing hair, intensive repair treatments and one for hair loss. Individual products include a hair follicle treatment and a scalp treatment system.

P&G says the acquisition forms part of its strategy to focus on developing its business operations in faster growing segments, creating what it hopes will eventually be ‘a high margin and more asset efficient business’.

“This acquisition is a great strategic fit given P&G’s leadership and proven strength in its retail scalp care business,” said Robert Jongstra, president of P&G professional care.

“P&G’s global scale creates opportunities to further grow the Nioxin brand in key markets around the world. By bringing the two complementary businesses together, we create a strong global platform to leverage the innovation pipeline of both companies.”

P&G is aiming to grow the Nioxin brand by tapping into its own resources, which will see the size of the product portfolio increase significantly and the further development of its distribution network.

CEO stays in place

The consumer giant also said that that the Nioxin business will continue to be headed up by existing CEO Brian Graham, who said the deal represented ‘a tremendous platform for future ideation collaboration and offerings for consumers’.

Currently the market for hair loss treatments is estimated by industry experts to be worth €1 billion.

An estimated 40 per cent of men have noticeable hair loss by the time they reach 35, a figure that rises to 65 per cent by the age of 60, however it is not solely a male problem.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology up to 30 million women may be suffering from some form of hair loss in the United States.