San Francisco Equity Partners, a private-equity firm exclusively focused on expansion-stage companies in the consumer industry, has acquired a majority stake in beauty company Japonesque. SFEP is partnering with current Japonesque owner, president and CEO Karen McKay, an industry leader in the beauty tools category, to capitalize on the extraordinary momentum in the business.
“Japonesque has experienced tremendous growth over recent years,” said Scott Potter, managing partner at San Francisco Equity Partners. “Karen and Japonesque are recognized leaders in the beauty category, and we look forward to providing Karen with the financial, strategic and operational support to capture the exponential growth opportunities in front of the company.”
Japonesque is known for creating cutting-edge beauty products inspired by the professional makeup tools used in Kabuki theatre in Japan. Its product line includes makeup brushes, eyelash curlers, tweezers, makeup cases and other beauty accessories. The company has recently launched into color cosmetics with great receptivity from retail partners, consumers and professional makeup artists. The collection combines high-impact fashion color with pro performance, flawlessly refined complexion formulations. The unprecedented color and long-wear textures are housed in one-of-a-kind luxurious packaging. Japonesque products can be found at leading retailers in the prestige beauty, drug and mass channels.
McKay stated, “We were seeking a partner to help Japonesque fully capitalize on the recent expansion of our distribution channels and the increasing demand for our beauty program. Given SFEP's proven track record of working with consumer growth companies at a similar stage of development, such as Method Home, Yes To and ICU Eyewear, they were an obvious choice for Japonesque.”
Aspect Consumer Partners acted as exclusive financial adviser to Japonesque in connection with the transaction.
[Image courtesy of japonesque.com]