Announcement of Welcoming KKR as New Shareholder – Accelerating Growth Strategy both in Japan and Internationally –

2026/08/25

Ci FLAVORS Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Yoshiaki Okura; hereinafter “Ci FLAVORS” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its shareholders have agreed to transfer all of their shares in the Company to funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm.

The transaction is expected to be completed following customary closing procedures under applicable laws and regulations. Upon completion of the transaction, KKR will become the Company’s new shareholder. In addition, the Company’s founder, Yusaku Horiuchi, and its Representative Director & CEO, Yoshiaki Okura, will invest alongside KKR in the transaction and will remain deeply committed to the continued growth of Ci FLAVORS.

Ci FLAVORS operates as a holding company executing growth strategies across diverse beauty and lifestyle brand businesses (the “Group”). The Group comprises COSME COMPANY CO., Ltd., which oversees nine companies engaged in the sale of beauty and lifestyle brand products; She style Co., Ltd., which oversees two companies engaged in both the OEM business and the sale of such products; AHRES Inc., which sells such products through directly managed stores, primarily in department stores; dr365 Co., Ltd., which develops and sells D2C brands; FAVE. Co., Ltd., which sells such products through e-commerce channels; ANKER CREATE CO., LTD., which supports the planning and manufacturing activities of Group companies through the global development and procurement of ingredients and materials; and overseas subsidiaries to advance the Group’s international business.

By welcoming KKR as the Company’s new shareholder and leveraging its extensive investment track record, global network, and expertise in supporting business growth, Ci FLAVORS will further accelerate its core strategies, including brand growth, international expansion, and strategic M&A, and expand its business platform.

Together with its new shareholder, Ci FLAVORS will continue to pursue its vision of “becoming the leading global beauty group from Japan in the 21st century” and provide brands, products, and services that help every customer shine brighter than the day before.

Following the transaction, the Group’s day-to-day business operations will continue to be led by the current management team, and no significant changes are anticipated to its management structure or the direction of its business operations. The Company does not expect any material changes to its services, or transaction terms, and will continue to serve its valued consumers and business partners as before. The Company also does not currently anticipate any changes to the company names or brand names of its Group companies.

Comment from Eiji Yatagawa, Partner and Head of Japan Private Equity at KKR

Ci FLAVORS has built a differentiated position in Japan’s beauty market through its consumer-focused product development capabilities and diversified portfolio of brands. We look forward to working closely with the management team and leveraging KKR’s global network in the consumer sector, operational expertise, and investment experience to support the Company’s continued growth in Japan and further expansion across international markets.

Comment from Yoshiaki Okura, Representative Director & CEO of Ci FLAVORS Co., Ltd.

I am very pleased to welcome KKR, one of the world’s leading investment firms, as our new shareholder.
Ci FLAVORS has grown by respecting the individuality of each brand while striving to deliver new value to our consumers’ everyday lives.
With KKR’s investment, we will build on the brand foundation and corporate culture we have established and further accelerate our initiatives to grow our existing businesses in Japan, expand internationally, strengthen our talent base and organizational capabilities, develop new brands and enter new categories, and pursue growth strategies including strategic M&A.
We will continue striving to enhance corporate value and meet the expectations of all our stakeholders, including our consumers, business partners, and employees.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

About Ci FLAVORS

Ci FLAVORS has defined its purpose as “Illuminate Individuality, Brighten Lives, Shine the World.” To bring the joy of beauty to consumers around the globe, the Group develops products through its portfolio of unique brands that go beyond functionality, with a focus on design that enhances everyday life and ideas that create excitement with every use. By helping each consumer shine more brightly than the day before, Ci FLAVORS seeks to contribute to better lives and society and make the world a more cheerful place to be.

Company Overview – Ci FLAVORS Co., Ltd.

Company Name:         Ci FLAVORS Co., Ltd.
Representative:           Representative Director & CEO Yoshiaki Okura
Location:                     Seihou Building, 7th Floor, 3-5-6 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Established:                August 2021
Capital:                        10 million yen
Business Description: Holding company overseeing group subsidiaries
https://www.ci-flavors.com/en/

Ci FLAVORS Group Companies

● COSME COMPANY CO., LTD. https://cosmecompany.jp
・ViCRÉA, LTD. https://vicrea.jp
・Stella Seed Inc. https://stellaseed.jp
・JPSLAB CO., LTD. https://www.jps-labo.jp
・Dr.Once CO., LTD. https://dr-once.jp/company/
・Bottle Works Inc. https://bottleworks.jp
・BEAUTE･DE･MODE CO., LTD. https://beaute-de-mode.jp
・MAISON BLOOM Co., Ltd. https://maison-bloom.jp
・ARCUS & co.,ltd. https://arcusand.jp
・Ecotone Co., Ltd. https://www.ectn.jp
● She style Co., Ltd. https://she-style.com
・Bridge Co., Ltd. https://bridge.tokyo
・Famm Co., Ltd.
● AHRES Inc. https://ahres.jp
● dr365 Co., Ltd. https://dr365.co.jp
● FAVE. Co., Ltd. https://www.fave.inc/
● ANKER CREATE CO., LTD. https://ankercreate.com

【Inquiries Regarding This Matter】
Corporate Planning Department, Ci FLAVORS Co., Ltd.
Attn: Miyasaka, Mizutani
E-mail: pr@ci-flavors.com