Carlyle invests in Japanese cosmetics maker Tokiwa

Established in 1948, Tokiwa manufactures a broad range of cosmetic products, including eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, and skin and hair care formulas, for global beauty brands. The company is also active in research and development of new cosmetics formulas and holds more than 400 patents worldwide.

According to a statement Tokiwa hopes to expand its overseas presence and become a global leader in the cosmetics manufacturing industry, leveraging its reputation for quality and the international popularity of Japanese culture.

Carlyle will assist with Tokiwa’s expansion through its international network and experience with the cosmetics industry through companies such as London-based ADA Cosmetics and US-based Philosophy. The firm will also help review the company’s management to ensure a global orientation.

Currently Carlyle is investing its third Japan fund, which closed in 2015 at JPY119.5 billion ($1 billion). It is the only global GP to have a series of yen-denominated, dedicated Japan buyout funds, which have made 25 investments in Japan since the first vehicle launched in 2001. The firm aims to back Japanese companies that are seeking overseas expansion, by enhancing their operational efficiency and strengthening their management infrastructure.

Carlyle has also been expanding its private equity business in Japan in recent months, hiring Tomofumi Matsuyama, formerly of Morgan Stanley, as a managing director on the Japan buyout team. Matsuyama focuses on large corporate carve-out opportunities, mainly in the technology and industrials sectors.

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• Topics
• North Asia
• Consumer
• Growth
• Japan
• The Carlyle Group
• manufacturing