Knowlton Development Corporation (known as KDC/ONE), has announced the acquisition of ALKOS Group, a leading French cosmetics manufacturer in France, founded in 2008 by Gérard Gieux. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
 
Headquartered in Paris, ALKOS Group comprises INTER Cosmétiques, SAGAL Cosmétiques and ALKOS Cosmétiques with a portfolio of high-quality, unique and innovative ‘Made in France’ products across makeup, skincare, cosmetic pencils and perfumed deo sticks and soaps, all of which serve major worldwide cosmetics brands and include the only French manufacturer of cosmetic pencils. ALKOS Group employs more than 400 full-time employees in three facilities totaling more than 300,000 square feet. The acquisition of ALKOS Group provides KDC/ONE with a premier partner in the European market and an expanded global presence in the high-growth cosmetics industry.
 
“ALKOS Group has deep roots in the cosmetics sector, an excellent reputation for product quality and innovation, and a customer-focused vision that will provide KDC/ONE with strategic access to the European market and unique technologies that reinforces our position as a leader in prestige beauty,” said Nicholas Whitley, president and CEO of KDC/ONE. “We look forward to working with the team at ALKOS, as well as our partners at Cornell Capital, to leverage the full product portfolio and further diversify our customer base to capitalize on a number of cross-selling opportunities and deliver tangible benefits to all of our stakeholders.”
 
Gérard Gieux, founding owner of ALKOS Group said: “With KDC/ONE, the ALKOS Group will have access to the capital needed to continue making essential investments in its business and its products, solidifying its leading market position. The ALKOS Group is excited to enter new markets and continue to deliver quality products to new and existing customers alongside a trusted partner that shares similar values to ensure the sustainability and long-term growth of ALKOS Group”.
 
Established in 2002, KDC/ONE, with head offices in Longueuil, Québechas, has made eight notable acquisitions over the past four years, most recently with Aromair Fine Fragrance, Northern Labs and now ALKOS Group. Including ALKOS Group, KDC/ONE now has 13 operating facilities located throughout North America and in France. Altogether, the company employs over 5,200 employees.