STOCK TITAN

Henkel to buy Olaplex (NASDAQ: OLPX) in $1.4B all-cash takeover

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Olaplex Holdings, Inc. has agreed to be acquired by Henkel in an all-cash merger. Henkel will pay $2.06 per share, valuing Olaplex at approximately $1.4 billion, a premium of about 55% to the prior closing price and 45% to the 30-day VWAP.

Merger Sub will merge into Olaplex, which will become a wholly owned Henkel subsidiary and be delisted from Nasdaq. Advent-affiliated funds holding roughly 75% of shares approved the deal by written consent. Closing is subject to antitrust and other regulatory clearances and customary conditions, with an outside date that can extend to September 30, 2027. A $40.44 million termination fee may be payable by Olaplex to Henkel in specified scenarios.

Positive

  • Premium all-cash buyout: Henkel will acquire Olaplex for $2.06 per share, implying roughly $1.4 billion of equity value and delivering about a 55% premium to the prior closing price and 45% to the 30-day VWAP.

Negative

  • Deal execution and termination fee risk: Closing depends on multiple regulatory approvals and other conditions, with an outside date potentially extending to September 30, 2027, and Olaplex may owe Henkel a $40.44 million termination fee in several failure scenarios.

Insights

Olaplex agreed to a premium all-cash sale to Henkel, subject to closing risks.

Olaplex entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by Henkel for $2.06 per share in cash, implying about $1.4 billion of equity value. The price represents a roughly 55% premium to the prior close and about 45% to the 30-day VWAP.

The transaction will take Olaplex private under Henkel’s ownership, with Advent fully exiting. Conditions include stockholder approval already obtained via written consent, antitrust and foreign regulatory clearances in the US, Germany, Australia and the UK, and no material adverse effect at Olaplex.

The merger agreement runs to an outside date of March 31, 2027, extendable to September 30, 2027, and includes a $40.44 million termination fee payable by Olaplex in defined circumstances. Investors will watch future filings and regulatory milestones to track progress toward the expected closing in the second half of 2026.

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement Business
The company signed a significant contract such as a merger agreement, credit facility, or major partnership.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
false 0001868726 0001868726 2026-03-26 2026-03-26
 
 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 26, 2026

 

 

Olaplex Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-40860   87-1242679

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

432 Park Avenue South, Third Floor, New York, NY 10016

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 691-0776

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol

 

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   OLPX   Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 
 


Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Merger Agreement

On March 26, 2026, Olaplex Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among the Company, Henkel US Operations Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and Margot Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions and on the terms set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge (the “Merger”) with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.

The board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) unanimously: (i) determined that the Merger Agreement and the Merger and the other transactions contemplated therein (collectively, the “Transactions”) are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders (the “Company Stockholders”), (ii) approved, adopted and declared advisable the entrance into and execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and the Transactions, including the Merger, (iii) directed that the Merger Agreement be submitted to the Company Stockholders for its adoption and (iv) subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, recommended that the Company Stockholders adopt the Merger Agreement.

Merger Consideration

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each (i) share (a “Share” and collectively, the “Shares”) of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the date and time at which the Merger becomes effective (the “Effective Time”) (other than those shares of Company Common Stock described in clauses (ii) and (iii) below) will be converted automatically into the right to receive $2.06 per Share (the “Merger Consideration”), payable net to the holder in cash, without interest, subject to any withholding of taxes required by applicable law as provided in the Merger Agreement, and all such Shares will no longer be outstanding and will automatically be cancelled and will cease to exist; (ii) Share held by the Company as treasury stock or held directly by Parent or Merger Sub, or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub in each case, immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist, and no consideration or payment shall be delivered in exchange therefor or in respect thereof; and (iii) Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and held by a holder who is entitled to demand, and has properly demanded, appraisal for such Shares in accordance with, and who complies in all respects with, Section 262 of the DGCL (such shares, the “Dissenting Shares”) shall not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, and such Shares shall be cancelled and cease to exist, and the holders of Dissenting Shares shall only be entitled to the rights granted to them under the DGCL with respect to such Dissenting Shares.

Treatment of Company Equity Awards

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time each outstanding Company equity award will be treated as follows (in all cases, subject to applicable tax withholding):

 

   

At the Effective Time, each option to purchase Shares granted under the Company Equity Plans (each a “Company Option”) that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the Effective Time (whether vested or unvested) shall, by virtue of the Merger, automatically and without any required action on the part of the holder thereof, the Company or Parent be cancelled and converted into the right to receive (without interest) an amount in cash equal to the product of (x) the aggregate number of Shares underlying such Company Option multiplied by (y) the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the per Share exercise price of such Company Option; provided, however, that any Company Option that has a per Share exercise price that is equal to or greater than the Merger Consideration shall be cancelled for no consideration; and


   

At the Effective Time, each award of restricted stock units covering Shares granted under the Company Equity Plans (each, a “Company RSU Award”) that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (whether vested or unvested) shall, by virtue of the Merger, automatically and without any required action on the part of the holder thereof, the Company or Parent be cancelled and converted into the right to receive (without interest) an amount in cash equal to the product of (x) the aggregate number of Shares underlying such Company RSU Award multiplied by (y) the Merger Consideration.

Representations, Warranties and Covenants

The Company has made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including among others, covenants (i) to use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct its operations in material compliance with applicable law and, subject to certain exceptions, in all material respects only in the ordinary course of business during the interim period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the Merger, and (ii) not to engage in specified actions during that period unless (x) with the prior written consent of Parent, (y) as required by applicable law or (z) as expressly disclosed in the confidential disclosure letter delivered by the Company concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement. In addition, the Company is subject to “no shop” restrictions on the Company’s ability to (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or facilitate the making or submission of alternative acquisition proposals, (ii) furnish non-public information relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or afford access to the business, properties, assets, books, records or other non-public information or to any personnel of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, in any such case in any manner that relates to or would reasonably be expected to lead to an alternative acquisition proposal, (iii) participate in or engage in discussions or negotiations that relate to or would reasonably be expected to lead to alternative acquisition proposals, (iv) grant any waiver or release under Section 203 of the DGCL or any other state takeover law; or (v) enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, merger agreement, acquisition agreement or other contract relating to an alternative acquisition proposal, other than acceptable confidentiality agreements.

The Company is required to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as practicable from certain investment funds affiliated with Advent International Corporation (the “Principal Stockholders”), which hold approximately 75% of the issued and outstanding Shares, a written consent adopting the Merger Agreement (the “Principal Stockholders Written Consent”), thereby providing the required stockholder approval for the Merger. The Principal Stockholders Written Consent was delivered on March 26, 2026.

In connection with the Merger, the Company will file an information statement on Schedule 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

The representations and warranties of the parties contained in the Merger Agreement will terminate and be of no further force and effect as of the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The representations and warranties made by the Company are qualified by disclosures made in a confidential disclosure letter delivered by the Company concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement and, in the case of the Company only, its SEC filings.

Conditions to Closing

The parties’ obligations to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following customary conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement: (i) the Company Stockholder Approval having been obtained, (ii) twenty (20) calendar days having elapsed since the Company mailed to the Company Stockholders the Information Statement as contemplated by Regulation 14C of the Exchange Act, (iii) the absence of any law or governmental order prohibiting the Merger, (iv) the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the approvals, waivers and waiting, notice, approval or review periods under the laws of Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom shall have expired, been terminated, otherwise obtained or deemed to have been received, (v) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party, and (vi) the other party’s performance in all material respects of its obligations contained in the Merger Agreement.


In addition, the obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement: (x) no Company Material Adverse Effect having occurred since the signing of the Merger Agreement; and (y) the waiver and amendment agreement entered into by the Principal Stockholders under the TRA Waiver and Amendment being in full force and effect in accordance with its terms and otherwise not having been amended, repudiated, revoked or withdrawn by the Principal Stockholders.

Termination

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for the Company and Parent, including Parent’s right to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Principal Stockholders Written Consent has not been delivered by the Principal Stockholders to Parent and the Company by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date of execution of the Merger Agreement, Parent’s right to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Board changes its recommendation that the Company Stockholders adopt the Merger Agreement, and the right of either party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger has not been completed on or prior to March 31, 2027, which date shall be automatically extended to September 30, 2027 if as of such initial date, all conditions to closing of the Merger other than conditions relating to the HSR Act or other applicable antitrust and foreign direct investment laws have been obtained or waived as of such date (the “Outside Date”). The Merger Agreement also provides that the Company must pay Parent a termination fee of $40,440,000 (the “Termination Fee”) if: (i) Parent terminates the Merger Agreement as a result of the Principal Stockholders Written Consent not having been delivered by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date of execution of the Merger Agreement, (ii) the Merger Agreement is terminated by Parent following a change of recommendation by the Board, (iii) either party terminates the Merger Agreement due to the Merger not having been completed on or prior to the Outside Date, at a time when Parent could have terminated due to a Board recommendation change or as a result of the Principal Stockholders Written Consent not having been delivered by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date of execution of the Merger Agreement, or (iv) the Agreement is terminated by Parent due to a Company breach or by either party due to the Merger not having been completed on or prior to the Outside Date, where prior to such termination, an alternative proposal has been publicly announced and not withdrawn prior to such termination and the Company enters into a definitive agreement with respect to an alternative proposal, or an alternative transaction is consummated within twelve (12) months after such termination.

Description of Merger Agreement Not Complete

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement and the Merger does not purport to be complete, and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement and any related agreements. The Merger Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants that the respective parties made to each other as of the date of such agreement or other specific dates. The assertions embodied in those representations, warranties and covenants were made for purposes of the contract among the respective parties and are subject to important qualifications and limitations agreed to by the parties in connection with negotiating such agreement. The Merger Agreement has been attached to provide investors with information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide any other factual information about the Company, Parent or any other party to the Merger Agreement or any related agreement. In particular, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in the Merger Agreement, which were made only for purposes of such agreement and as of specific dates, were for the benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement, are subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties (including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts) and are subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that may differ from those applicable to investors and security holders. Investors and security holders are not third-party beneficiaries under the Merger Agreement and should not rely on the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, or any descriptions thereof, as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of any party to the Merger Agreement. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in the Company’s public disclosures.


TRA Waiver and Amendment

Concurrently with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement, the Company entered into a limited waiver and amendment (the “TRA Waiver and Amendment”) to that certain Income Tax Receivable Agreement dated as of September 29, 2021 (the “TRA”), by and among the Company, the parties listed on Annex A thereto (the “TRA Parties”) and Penelope Group Holdings GP, LLC, as representative of the TRA Parties (the “TRA Representative”), with the TRA Representative and certain of the TRA Parties (the “TRA Waiving Parties”). Pursuant to the TRA Waiver and Amendment, the TRA Waiving Parties waived all of their rights to receive any payments that would otherwise be due to such parties under the TRA (including any amounts that would otherwise be due as a result of the consummation of the Merger), and the Company and the TRA Representative amended the TRA to provide that it shall automatically terminate upon the Effective Time of the Merger, subject to the Company paying certain amounts due under the TRA to the TRA Parties other than the TRA Waiving Parties.

Copies of the Merger Agreement and the TRA Waiver and Amendment are filed with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 2.1 and Exhibit 10.1, respectively, and are each incorporated herein by reference, and the foregoing descriptions of the Merger Agreement and the TRA Waiver and Amendment are qualified in their entirety by reference thereto.

 

Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

On March 26, 2026, the Company issued a press release in connection with the transaction. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, is furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to liabilities under that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the filings of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, these forward-looking statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on beliefs, expectations, assumptions, and forecasts of future results. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases, such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the proposed transaction; the timing of and receipt of required regulatory filings and approvals relating to the transaction; the expected timing of the completion of the transaction; the ability to complete the transaction considering the various closing conditions; and the accuracy of any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ from expectations contemplated by forward-looking statements include: uncertainties as to the timing or completion of the merger; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, including circumstances requiring the Company to pay Parent a termination fee or damages pursuant to the Merger Agreement; the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all; the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including the ability to secure regulatory approvals on the terms expected, at all or in a timely manner; the effects of the transaction (or the announcement or pendency thereof) on relationships with associates, customers, manufacturers, suppliers, employees (including the risks relating to the ability to retain or hire key personnel), other business partners or governmental entities; transaction costs; the risk that the merger will divert management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations or otherwise disrupt the Company’s ongoing business operations; changes in the Company’s business during the period between now and the closing; certain restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact the Company’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; risks associated with litigation relating to the proposed transaction; the timing and outcome of anticipated interactions with regulatory authorities; risks related to the Company’s business, including


the Company’s dependence on the success of its business transformation plan, competition in the beauty industry, the Company’s ability to effectively maintain and promote a positive brand image, expand its brand awareness and maintain consumer confidence in the quality, safety and efficacy of its products, and the Company’s ability to anticipate and respond to market trends and changes in consumer preferences and execute on its growth strategies and expansion opportunities, including with respect to new product introductions; and the other factors identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2026 and in the other documents that the Company files with the SEC from time to time; and other factors as set forth in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements in this communication speak only as of the date of this communication. The Company’s undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

No Offer or Solicitation

This Current Report on Form 8-K is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to or in connection with the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Information and Where to Find It.

The Company will prepare and file an information statement on Schedule 14C for its stockholders with respect to the approval of the transaction described herein. When completed, the information statement will be mailed to the Company’s stockholders. You may obtain copies of all documents filed by the Company with the SEC regarding this transaction, free of charge, at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or from the Company website at https://ir.olaplex.com/sec-filings.

Company Stockholders are urged to read all relevant documents filed with the SEC, including the Schedule 14C, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, carefully when they become available because they will contain important information about the transaction.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c) Exhibits.

 

 2.1*    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 26, 2026, by and among Olaplex Holdings, Inc., Henkel US Operations Corporation, and Margot Acquisition Merger Sub, Inc.
10.1    Limited Waiver and Amendment, dated as of as of March 26, 2026, by and among Olaplex Holdings, Inc., the TRA Parties (as defined therein) and Penelope Group Holdings GP, LLC.
99.1    Press Release dated March 26, 2026.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL document).

 

*

Schedules omitted pursuant to item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the SEC upon request, provided, however, that the Company may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Exchange Act, as amended, for any schedule or exhibit so furnished.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: March 26, 2026

 

Olaplex Holdings, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Amanda Baldwin

Name:   Amanda Baldwin
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 99.1

OLAPLEX, a Leading, Science-Led Prestige Hair Care Brand, to be Acquired by Henkel for $1.4 Billion

Combination pairs OLAPLEX’s premium hair care brand with Henkel’s global reach and resources

Transaction is expected to accelerate OLAPLEX’s value creation and expand access to premium,

science-led hair-health solutions for stylists and consumers

OLAPLEX stockholders to receive $2.06 per share

New York, NY – Olaplex Holdings, Inc. (“OLAPLEX” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: OLPX), a premium hair care brand powered by science-led innovation and the professional hairstylist, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (“Henkel”), a leading global manufacturer of well-known consumer and industrial brands, for $2.06 per share in a cash transaction, representing an equity value of approximately $1.4 billion. The transaction represents a premium of approximately 55% over OLAPLEX’s closing stock price on 3/25/2026 and a premium of approximately 45% over the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of OLAPLEX’s shares for the 30 trading days ended 3/25/2026.

Upon completion of the transaction, the Company will continue to operate under the OLAPLEX name and brand. OLAPLEX will no longer be listed on Nasdaq, and Advent International (“Advent”) will fully exit its investment in the Company at close.

The transaction is expected to:

 

 

Combine highly complementary strengths in the professional channel, where both companies have meaningful relationships with the stylist and salon community;

 

 

Unlock new avenues for innovation through advanced technology, expanded capabilities and accelerated product development;

 

 

Bring together OLAPLEX’s broad North American direct-to-consumer and specialty retail presence with Henkel’s international footprint, leading to expanded international reach; and

 

 

Create opportunities for innovation and growth, supported by OLAPLEX’s science-led approach and established position with consumers and Pro partners across demographics and hair needs.

Amanda Baldwin, Chief Executive Officer of OLAPLEX, said, “Today marks an exciting next chapter for OLAPLEX. From our roots in the professional community to becoming one of the most trusted science-led brands in hair treatment, our journey has always been fueled by innovation and a deep commitment to stylists and consumers. This step is a testament to the momentum we’ve achieved in our transformation and the significant opportunities ahead for OLAPLEX to continue shaping the future of hair health and pursue long-term growth. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and look forward to accelerating our product innovation, expanding our reach and continuing to deliver results for our Pro partners and customers around the world as part of the Henkel platform.”

John P. “JP” Bilbrey, Executive Chair of the OLAPLEX Board of Directors, added, “OLAPLEX’s growth reflects the strength of its science-led approach, its brand and the dedication of its team. We are proud to have supported Amanda and the entire OLAPLEX team as they drove brand momentum, scaled innovation and advanced significant operational transformation. We look forward to the opportunities ahead under Henkel’s stewardship.”

Since 2019, OLAPLEX has been backed by Advent, which helped scale the Company from a first-of-its-kind product to a science-led brand focused on hair health, supported by meaningful investments across product innovation, brand strength and operational excellence. The Company recently undertook a multi-year transformation program, which enhanced its innovation potential, marketing capabilities and go-to-

 

1


market model and renewed engagement across stylist and consumer communities. As part of this, OLAPLEX also built out the people, processes and tools needed to drive executional excellence and efficiency on a global scale. These efforts, together with the Company’s science-led heritage and strong brand recognition, have positioned OLAPLEX well as it enters its next chapter under Henkel’s ownership.

Transaction Details

The transaction, which was approved by the OLAPLEX Board of Directors, is expected to close as soon as the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Advent, as holder of more than a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of OLAPLEX common stock, has approved the transaction by written consent. As a result, no further action by other OLAPLEX stockholders will be required to approve the transaction.

Advisors

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP is serving as legal counsel to OLAPLEX.

About OLAPLEX

OLAPLEX is a foundational health and beauty company powered by breakthrough innovation and the professional hairstylist. Born in the lab and brought to the chair, our products are designed to enable Pros and their clients to achieve their best results and to provide consumers with a holistic healthy hair regimen. Founded in 2014, OLAPLEX revolutionized prestige hair care with its first-of-its-kind Complete Bond Technology, which works by protecting, strengthening and relinking all three bonds during and after hair services. Since then, OLAPLEX has expanded into a full suite of hair health formulas. OLAPLEX’s award-winning products are sold globally through an omnichannel model serving the professional, specialty retail and direct-to-consumer channels.

About Advent International

Advent is a leading global private equity investor committed to working in partnership with management teams, entrepreneurs, and founders to help transform businesses. With 16 offices across five continents, we oversee more than USD $100 billion in assets under management* and have made 448 investments across 44 countries.

Since our founding in 1984, we have developed specialist market expertise across our five core sectors: business & financial services, consumer, healthcare, industrial, and technology. This approach is bolstered by our deep sub-sector knowledge, which informs every aspect of our investment strategy, from sourcing opportunities to working in partnership with management to execute value creation plans. We bring hands-on operational expertise to enhance and accelerate businesses.

As one of the largest privately-owned partnerships, our 655 colleagues leverage the full ecosystem of Advent’s global resources, including our Portfolio Support Group, insights provided by industry expert Operating Partners and Operations Advisors, as well as bespoke tools to support and guide our portfolio companies as they seek to achieve their strategic goals.

To learn more, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn.

*Assets under management (AUM) as of September 30, 2025. AUM includes assets attributable to Advent advisory clients as well as employee and third-party co-investment vehicles.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, these forward-looking statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on beliefs, expectations, assumptions, and forecasts of future results. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases, such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will,” and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the proposed transaction; the timing of and receipt of required regulatory filings and approvals relating to the transaction; the expected timing of the completion of the transaction; the ability to complete the transaction considering the various closing conditions; the potential benefits of the transaction, including the complementary strengths in the professional channel, ability to maximize scaled innovation, OLAPLEX’s direct-to-consumer and specialty retail presence, and opportunities for product development, geographic expansion; and the accuracy of any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ from expectations contemplated by forward-looking statements include: uncertainties as to the timing of the merger; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement, including circumstances requiring the Company to pay Parent a termination fee pursuant to the Merger Agreement; the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all; the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including the ability to secure regulatory approvals on the terms expected, at all or in a timely manner; the effects of the transaction (or the announcement or pendency thereof) on relationships with associates, customers, manufacturers, suppliers, employees (including the risks relating to the ability to retain or hire key personnel), other business partners or governmental entities; transaction costs; the risk that the merger will divert management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations or otherwise disrupt the Company’s ongoing business operations; changes in the Company’s business during the period between now and the closing; certain restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact the Company’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; risks associated with litigation relating to the proposed transaction; the timing and outcome of anticipated interactions with regulatory authorities; risks related to the Company’s business, including the Company’s dependence on the success of its business transformation plan, competition in the beauty industry, the Company’s ability to effectively maintain and promote a positive brand image, expand its brand awareness and maintain consumer confidence in the quality, safety and efficacy of its products, and the Company’s ability to anticipate and respond to market trends and changes in consumer preferences and execute on its growth strategies and expansion opportunities, including with respect to new product introductions; and the other factors identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2026 and in the other documents that the Company files with the SEC from time to time. The forward-looking statements in this communication speak only as of the date of this communication. Olaplex undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to or in connection with the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

 

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Additional Information and Where to Find It

The Company will prepare and file an information statement on Schedule 14C for its stockholders with respect to the approval of the transaction described herein. When completed, the information statement will be mailed to the Company’s stockholders. You may obtain copies of all documents filed by the Company with the SEC regarding this transaction, free of charge, at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or from the Company website at https://ir.olaplex.com/sec-filings.

Company stockholders are urged to read all relevant documents filed with the SEC, including the Schedule 14C, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, carefully when they become available because they will contain important information about the transaction.

Contacts

Media

For Advent:

Lauren Testa

ltesta@adventinternational.com

FGS Global

AdventInternational-US@fgsglobal.com

For OLAPLEX:

Derris

lena@derris.com

Investors

For OLAPLEX:

Michael Oriolo

Vice President, Investor Relations

michael.oriolo@olaplex.com

 

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FAQ

What did Henkel agree to pay for Olaplex (OLPX)?

Henkel agreed to acquire Olaplex for $2.06 per share in cash, valuing the company’s equity at approximately $1.4 billion. This represents a premium to Olaplex’s pre-announcement share price and recent 30‑day volume‑weighted average price.

What premium does the Henkel deal offer Olaplex (OLPX) stockholders?

The cash offer represents a premium of about 55% over Olaplex’s closing stock price on March 25, 2026 and approximately 45% over the 30‑day volume weighted average price, providing stockholders with a significant uplift versus recent trading levels.

When is the Olaplex (OLPX) acquisition by Henkel expected to close?

The transaction is expected to close as soon as the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions. The merger agreement includes an outside date of March 31, 2027, automatically extendable to September 30, 2027 if certain conditions are met.

What happens to Olaplex (OLPX) shares and Nasdaq listing after the merger?

At closing, each Olaplex share (other than excluded or dissenting shares) will convert into the right to receive $2.06 in cash. Olaplex will become a wholly owned Henkel subsidiary and will no longer be listed on Nasdaq, ending public trading of its stock.

What approvals and conditions must be satisfied for the Olaplex (OLPX) merger?

The deal requires regulatory clearances, including under the Hart‑Scott‑Rodino Act and laws in Germany, Australia and the UK, elapsing of a 20‑day information statement period, accuracy of representations, and performance of covenants. No Company Material Adverse Effect must have occurred for closing.

Is there a termination fee in the Olaplex (OLPX) merger agreement with Henkel?

Yes. Olaplex must pay Henkel a $40.44 million termination fee in certain circumstances, such as failure to deliver the principal stockholders’ written consent, a board recommendation change, specified alternative‑transaction outcomes, or some failures to close by the outside date.

How have major Olaplex (OLPX) stockholders voted on the Henkel deal?

Investment funds affiliated with Advent International, holding about 75% of outstanding shares, delivered a written consent on March 26, 2026 adopting the merger agreement. This provides the required stockholder approval without a separate stockholder meeting.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

6 documents
Olaplex Holdings, Inc.

NASDAQ:OLPX

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1.35B
137.52M
Specialty Retail
Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations
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United States
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