Our 50 Year
History
Celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2018
Helen of Troy began as a family business and was incorporated in Texas in 1968. The Company began trading on the NASDAQ in 1972 and reorganized in Bermuda in 1994. Over the past fifty years the Company has evolved into a multinational organization with $1.49 billion in sales in fiscal 2018 and approximately 1,489 full-time employees around the world. We have grown organically as well as through acquisition, with a proven ability to acquire and integrate businesses in attractive sectors. Since 2003 we have acquired eleven brands and divested one.
We continue to streamline key elements of our organization to make us better integrated, more effective and more efficient. We’ve created several Shared Services functions we believe are becoming best-in-class that we can further leverage through acquisition and organic growth, all of this while navigating the rapidly evolving retail environment. Through the divestiture of the Healthy Directions business and strong earnings growth, we improved our return on invested capital in fiscal 2018 and are positioned for continued improvement in fiscal 2019.
With over 50 years of experience, we are just getting started. We elevate lives. We soar together. We are Helen of Troy.
Our heritage
Acquisition of BRUT
BRUT was introduced to Paris in the 1960’s. Today, it is still one of the most well-known, fragrance-led male personal care brands preferred by men around the world.
Acquisition of OXO
OXO makes everyday living better, with a range of thoughtfully designed products for the home: cooking, baking, cleaning, organization and baby. We look at everyday objects and activities and we see ways to make things simpler, easier, more thoughtfully designed, better.
Acquisition of Belson
Catering to the professional, Belson offers styling tools and appliances sold under the Belson and the Hot ‘N Gold labels.
Acquisition of Ogilvie
Beautiful timeless curls with a gentle, more effective formula to turn up the heat on your curls and waves for the just-from-the-salon-look.
Acquisition of Infusium
Have better-than-ever hair days every day with expert systems of shampoos, conditioners and leave-in treatments that replenish and restore hair.
Acquisition of Sure/PERT
SURE® first came to the U.S. market back in 1973 and remains a leading brand worldwide. Pert Plus offers multiple formulas for specific hair needs.
Acquisition of Kaz
Founded on innovation in 1926, Kaz has become a world leader in high-quality healthcare and home environment products designed to improve people’s lives with new insights on everyday products. The company has evolved into a state of the art, dynamically-managed, global leader in healthcare devices and home comfort products. Kaz operates in over 65 countries on six continents with a brand portfolio that includes PUR, Vicks, Honeywell, Braun, and more.
Acquisition of PUR
PUR has been developing innovative and affordable technologies for superior water filtration for over 30 years. PUR Faucet Filters are certified to reduce 70+ contaminants including 99% of Lead. More than any other brand.
Implemented Succession Planning
In January 2014, the Company appointed then CEO and President of the Company’s Health & Home segment, Julien R. Mininberg, as Helen of Troy’s new CEO, effective March 1, 2014.
Transformation of Corporate Leadership Team
In April 2015, the Company announced a reorganization of its corporate departments and functions into three global shared service groups designed to drive increased collaboration, sharing of best practices and additional operating efficiencies. Each group is headed by a member of the executive leadership team: Global Finance, Global Operations, and Global Legal, Human Resources and Investor Relations.
Acquisition of Healthy Directions
For 25 years, Healthy Directions has been a leading provider of premier doctor-formulated nutritional supplements, products, and expert natural health guidance. Their goal is simple: to help you lead a happier, healthier life.
Acquisition of VapoSteam
Delivering the distinctive scent and relief that consumer’s love, Vick’s VapoSteam and VapoPads help relieve cough and congestion symptoms, adding to our stable of products that provide comfort to families around the world.
New Multi-Year Transformational Strategy
During our Analyst Day in New York, management announced its new multi-year transformational strategy designed to improve the performance of our business segments and strengthen our shared service capabilities. The seven initiatives that form this strategy drive our decisions on where we will operate and how we will achieve our goals in markets around the world. The overall design of our business and organizational plan is intended to create sustainable and profitable growth and improve organizational capability.
Acquisition of Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask is committed to bringing consumers a life free of lukewarm products and experiences. Based in the outdoor mecca of Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask has remained true to its outdoor enthusiast roots. As the #1 insulated beverage bottle in the Sport/Outdoor* and Natural Foods** markets Hydro Flask has expanded its offering and now offers products in seven different categories: hydration, coffee, beer/wine, accessories, food, soft coolers, and gear.
* Source: 3rd party syndicated data , L-52 weeks ending 6/9/18
** Source: 3rd party syndicated data , L-52 weeks ending 5/20/18
Divestiture of Healthy Directions
