Karo Healthcare acquires science-backed skin care to strengthen presence in Northern Europe

Karo Healthcare has confirmed its acquisition of a portfolio of skin health brands. The transaction aligns with Karo’s strategy to expand its portfolio and build strong omnichannel market positions in European consumer health care.  

The announcement follows global investment firm KKR’s (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) acquisition of Karo Healthcare last week. The portfolio of skin health brands Karo is gaining used to belong to Perrigo, which was also acquired by KKR this year.  

The portfolio includes the science-backed skin care brands ACO (Cosmica, Canoderm, Cliniderm, and Miniderm), Biodermal, Emolium, and Iwostin. These brands offer medical skin health solutions in the face, body, and sun care categories. 

“[The transaction] brings a portfolio of attractive, science-backed, and trusted skin health brands to Karo, which have strong consumer positions and healthcare specialist endorsement in key markets,” says Christoffer Lorenzen, CEO at Karo.

“Following completion, we look forward to welcoming talented employees to Karo, adding critical capabilities to support our company’s continued strengthening and long-term development.”

The acquisition of Perrigo and its brands is expected to close in Q1 2026. In 2024, Perrigo’s dermacosmetics business generated €120 million (US$139.78 million) in net sales across the Nordics, the Netherlands, and Poland.

“The strong foundation provided by Karo’s leading Nordics consumer health care platform and KKR’s deep experience in successful corporate carveouts will position these businesses, brands, and employees to thrive and deliver long-term success for partners and consumers,” says Hans Arstad, managing director at KKR.