Andrew Jergens Changes Name to Kao Brands

The Andrew Jergens Company, Cincinnati, changed its name to Kao Brands Company. Additionally, itswholly-owned Canadian subsidiary, Jergens Canada Inc. was also named Kao Brands Canada Inc.

The John Frieda Professional Hair Care subsidiary of Kao Brands Company is being dissolved and itsbusiness and assets are being transferred to Kao Brands Company.

Earlier this year, the wholly-owned European subsidiaries of Kao Brands Company, John Frieda UKLimited and John Frieda SarL (France) became Kao Brands Europe Ltd. and Kao Brands Europe SarL,respectively. The German-based Guhl Ikebana GmbH, a majority owned joint venture which became asubsidiary of Kao Brands Company in 2003, will not change its name but will be identified under theKao Brands logo.

Since being acquired in 1988 by the Japan-based Kao Corporation, the new Kao Brands Companyportfolio of mass market premium beauty care brands has expanded from Jergens lotion and cleansingproducts to now include Cur(tm)l hand and body lotions; Bior(tm) facial care products; Banantiperspirants; John Frieda Frizz-Ease, Sheer Blonde, Brilliant Brunette and Beach Blondeprofessional hair care products and Guhl hair care products.

“The decision to change the company name was driven by the need to reflect the significant expansionof the scope of our global business portfolio, and to leverage the reputation of our parent company, KaoCorporation, the leading consumer products company in Japan,” said Bill Gentner, president and chiefexecutive officer. “The new Kao Brands Company umbrella is an important step in unifying the company’svarious operating units in our quest to build our global beauty business.”

In conjunction with the company name change, the company launched www.kaobrands.com, a newwebsite that will allow visitors to learn more about the new Kao Brands Company.