The race to internationalization continues among leading Japanese cosmetics makers. While Shiseido’s CEO Hisayuki Suekawa recently declared to French newspaper Le Monde its group, which bought Bare Escentuals in 2010, remains open to new acquisitions, Pola Orbis, Japan’s fourth cosmetics group, yesterday announced it has signed an agreement to purchase 100% of the shares of Jurlique, a manufacturer of natural skincare products.

Last June, Pola had already announced the acquisition of H2O Plus, a Chicago-headquartered manufacturer and retailer of natural skincare products based on marine ingredients.

Founded in 1985, Jurlique is the leading skin care brand in Australia and is experiencing significant growth in Asia. Jurlique operates in a multi-channel retail network that encompasses concept stores, department stores, specialty retailers, spas, duty free / airlines, and e-commerce, in Australia, Asia, the United States and Europe. The company utilizes plants and botanicals grown on its own 153 acre biodynamic farm in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

"The Pola transaction represents a significant and exciting milestone for Jurlique," said Sam McKay, Jurlique’s President & CEO, adding it was a great opportunity to further accelerate the brand’s global growth.

The existing management team will continue with the company.

The transaction, which was inked for about 300 million Australian dollars (USD 306 or EUR 228 million), is scheduled to be completed by late February after receipt of compulsory regulatory and commercial approvals.