THE WHAT? Summit Partners, the private equity owner of Dr. Squatch, is exploring a sale of the men’s grooming brand, aiming for a valuation exceeding US$2 billion. The company is collaborating with investment banks Raymond James and Centerview Partners to find potential buyers, based on its strong financial performance, including $90 million in EBITDA over the past 12 months.
THE DETAILS Dr. Squatch was founded in 2013 by Jack Haldrup to fill a gap in the market for natural men’s soap, beginning with handmade bar soaps produced in his garage. The brand has since expanded its product range to include deodorants, hair care, colognes, and lotions, now available on its website and at major retailers like Walmart and Target, demonstrating its growth from a niche market player to a significant name in men’s grooming.
THE WHY? The potential sale of Dr. Squatch is indicative of the current interest in the personal care sector, which has become a hotbed for deal-making activities. This trend is reflected in the actions of other grooming brands like Every Man Jack exploring a sale, and Unilever’s sale of Dollar Shave Club to Nexus Capital Management, highlighting the market’s appetite for innovative and rapidly growing personal care brands.
Clinical aesthetics products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics or cosmetic dermatology. These products are typically designed and formulated to be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or trained aestheticians. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain active ingredients or formulations that require expertise in their application or administration.
Examples of clinical aesthetics products include:
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Examples include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables that temporarily paralyze facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements, such as frown lines and crow's feet.
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Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve its texture. They can treat acne, pigmentation issues, and signs of aging.
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Laser and Light Therapies: Devices that emit focused light or laser energy to treat various skin conditions, including acne, scars, and signs of aging.
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Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients like retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants to address specific skin concerns under medical supervision.