Carsten Knobel

Money Moves

As of May 2026: Leading Henkel's acquisition strategy

Olaplex went public in September 2021 at a valuation north of $15 billion, riding a wave of consumer enthusiasm for its patented bond-repair hair treatments. In four and a half years, the company faced lawsuits alleging hair loss, a banned ingredient scandal, and relentless competition. German consumer goods conglomerate Henkel agreed to buy it for $1.4 billion—roughly a tenth of its IPO value.

Updated May 30