Henkel Secures Prestige Hair Care Brand Olaplex in $1.4 Billion Deal
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, German consumer goods titan Henkel made a public announcement about its acquisition of the high-end hair care brand Olaplex Holdings. The deal, an all-cash transaction, is valued at approximately $1.4 billion, or $2.06 per share.
The acquisition price denotes a 55% premium over Olaplex’s closing stock price of $1.33 on March 25, 2026. However, it also signifies a steep decline from the company’s 2021 initial public offering, when it was valued at a staggering $15 billion with shares trading near $30. The deal is slated to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Renowned for its patented bond-repair hair technology, Olaplex has grappled with significant challenges in recent years. These include increased competition from rivals such as L’Oréal and K18, lawsuits, and a saturated market that diluted its once-exclusive appeal. Consequently, the company’s stock has plummeted, losing nearly 95% of its value since its IPO.
Henkel’s CEO, Carsten Knobel, characterized the acquisition as being “fully in line with Henkel’s strategy to expand its portfolio through compelling, value-adding M&A activities.” This strategic move is set to bolster Henkel’s standing in the professional hair care market, where it is second only to L’Oréal globally. Post-acquisition, Olaplex will continue to operate under its brand name, while capitalizing on Henkel’s extensive global distribution network and resources.
Source: CNBC