JAPAN. Beauty group Shiseido Co Ltd has agreed to sell the Zirh men’s skincare and fragrance brand and Corduroy men’s fragrance brand to a group of private investors led by Brian Robinson, a former Zirh President. The brands are currently marketed by Zirh International Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary.
Following the transaction, Zirh International Corp will be renamed ZIC Corp and will continue to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shiseido, exclusively marketing and selling the John Varvatos brand of men’s skincare and fragrances.
“This sale is a strategic decision that will benefit the loyal customers of the Zirh and Corduroy brands,” said Shuichi Tanaka, Chairman and CEO of Shiseido International Corporation and Zirh International Corp.
“This will allow us to focus our strengths and invest business resources in the John Varvatos brand and our Shiseido Men’s Skincare line,” Tanaka continued.
“Brian Robinson has unique experience in the men’s skincare market as well as an intimate working knowledge of the Zirh brand. This transaction will provide the Zirh and Corduroy brands with a business structure better suited for their growth and expansion.”
Said Robinson: “While I am extremely proud of the accomplishments and performance of Zirh in the past, I am very confident in the brands and even more excited about the future prospects and strategic opportunities.”
Robinson was the president of Zirh International Corporation from November 1998 to August 2004. During his tenure, the Zirh brand became the number three men’s skincare brand in the US prestige department store channel with an 11% market share. Additionally, the brand expanded to more than 50 international markets.
About Shiseido
Shiseido is the fifth largest cosmetics company in the world. Established in 1872 as a Western-style pharmacy along the Ginza in Japan, Shiseido has distribution in about 70 countries including over 900 department and specialty stores in the US.
About Zirh
Zirh International Corp is a skincare and fragrance company that was established in the US in 1995. Shiseido acquired the company in two stages in 2000 and 2004. The Zirh brand, launched in 1995, is sold in approximately 50 countries; the Corduroy brand, launched in 2005 is sold in nine countries; the John Varvatos brand, launched in 2004, is sold in 34 countries.
MORE STORIES ON ZIRH INTERNATIONAL
Zirh International steps up male grooming activities – 16/11/06
Zirh International unveils new way to wear Corduroy – 26/05/05
