KKR is reportedly moving Wella Company, the owner of OPI, Wella Professionals, and ghd, towards a potential United States initial public offering as early as this year. Investment banks Bank of America and Goldman Sachs are advising on the listing.
This move could value Wella significantly higher than the $4.3 billion enterprise value KKR paid for its initial 60% stake in 2020. KKR completed its acquisition of Coty’s remaining 25.8% stake in December 2025 for $750 million. Coty is entitled to 45% of any IPO proceeds above KKR’s preferred return.
With over 6,000 employees globally, Wella operates in both Europe and the US. The beauty sector has shown resilience, and IPO markets are experiencing renewed activity. KKR is positioning Wella to leverage this investor interest and realise value from its ownership period.
For UK salon and barbershop owners, Wella’s potential public listing signals a broader trend of investment and consolidation in the professional and consumer beauty markets. While Wella’s established brands are familiar, a public company’s focus on quarterly performance could influence product development and marketing strategies. Businesses relying on Wella brands should monitor shifts in brand priorities or the introduction of new product lines that might emerge from this new financial direction.
