Wella is one of the leading international beauty suppliers. Founded in 1880 by a German hairdresser, the company?s roots are firmly entrenched in the professional salon industry. Today, the Company is represented in more than 150 countries. This internationality stands for proximity to customers and local presence, to enable us to develop our business successfully in all relevant markets. Our global orientation means that Wella researches, produces and distributes across national borders. Product quality, global brands, staff mobility and an international status form the basis of our corporate philosophy, which is consistently aimed at expertise in cosmetics within our three business divisions: Professional, Consumer (end-consumer), and Cosmetics and Fragrances.

Wella has always been an innovative and technologically advanced company. From its beginnings as a wig manufacturer, through the development of perming agents and appliances, and including such revolutionary breakthrough product innovations as Blondor (1933), the world?s first powder lightener, Koleston Perfect (1950), the world?s first cream haircolor, and most recently, Magma (2003), a product that lightens and colors in a single step.

Furthermore, through a series of strategic acquisitions, Wella has created a portfolio of companies that offers one-stop shopping for the professional salon industry. In 1980, Wella acquired Tondeo, manufacturer of the finest haircutting scissors and razors in the world. 1993 saw the acquisition of Sebastian International, a leading styling and artistic brand with an innovative and distinctive image. The 1998 acquisition of furniture and equipment manufacturer Belvedere allowed the company to provide additional products and services to the U.S. marketplace. And, in 2001, the company acquired Graham Webb International and its comprehensive portfolio of haircare and beauty brands.

Wella USA, known at The Wella Corporation, was founded in New York City in 1931. In 1953, when the Company moved to New Jersey, Wella had already become an important player in the professional hair care business. More recently, in a move designed to draw on the strengths of all of its brands, in January 2001, The Wella Corporation moved its corporate headquarters to Woodland Hills, CA. The strategic alignment of the company?s U.S. professional salon operations both strengthens the sales structure and allows each company to maintain distinct marketing personalities while reaping the benefits of consolidated finance, information technology, human resources and legal operations. The combined strengths of professional brands Wella, Sebastian, Graham Webb, Belvedere and Tondeo make the spectrum of hairdresser service Wella offers globally unmatched. Superior products, inspiring education, and unique salon business-building programs make Wella a world leader and expert in hair, cosmetics and beauty.

To find out more about some of other brands:

www.sebastianprofessional.com
www.grahamwebb.com
www.belvedere.com