who owns burt's bees

2 min read 15-04-2025

Burt's Bees, the beloved brand known for its natural personal care products, has a fascinating history. Many wonder: who currently owns this iconic company? The answer isn't as simple as a single name. Let's delve into the journey of Burt's Bees ownership, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a major player in the natural beauty market.

The Burt's Bees Story: From Humble Beginnings to Global Brand

Burt's Bees was co-founded in 1984 by Burt Shavitz, a Maine-based beekeeper, and Roxanne Quimby, a craftswoman. Their partnership began with the simple sale of beeswax candles. The company quickly expanded to include a range of natural skincare and personal care products, driven by their shared passion for natural ingredients and sustainable practices. This commitment to natural ingredients resonated strongly with consumers, propelling Burt's Bees' growth.

The Early Years and Initial Growth

The early years saw Burt's Bees expand its product line, focusing on high-quality, natural ingredients. This commitment, alongside savvy marketing, quickly built a loyal customer base, setting the stage for future expansion. Their initial success was built on word-of-mouth marketing and a clear brand identity centered around natural products.

The Acquisition by Clorox and Subsequent Sale

In 2007, a significant shift occurred in the ownership of Burt's Bees. Clorox Corporation acquired Burt's Bees for $913 million. This acquisition marked a major milestone, injecting significant capital and resources into the company, allowing for even greater expansion and distribution. Clorox leveraged its extensive distribution network to increase Burt's Bees' reach and market penetration.

However, in 2021, Clorox made the strategic decision to divest itself of Burt's Bees. This led to another significant shift in ownership. The brand was then acquired by a private equity firm, The Carlyle Group. This acquisition represents a new chapter in Burt's Bees' history, potentially opening up new avenues for growth and innovation.

The Carlyle Group Era: A Look Ahead

The Carlyle Group's acquisition signals a continued commitment to Burt's Bees' heritage of natural and sustainable products. While the long-term strategic direction may evolve under new ownership, the brand's core values remain. They are likely to continue to focus on expanding their product lines, exploring new markets, and continuing their commitment to sustainability and natural ingredients.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

The change in ownership is unlikely to immediately impact consumers. Burt's Bees continues to produce its popular line of products, maintaining its commitment to quality and natural ingredients. However, long-term strategy might involve adjustments in product development, marketing, and distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who founded Burt's Bees?

A: Burt Shavitz and Roxanne Quimby co-founded Burt's Bees.

Q: When did Clorox acquire Burt's Bees?

A: Clorox acquired Burt's Bees in 2007.

Q: Who owns Burt's Bees now?

A: Currently, Burt's Bees is owned by The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm.

Q: What are the future prospects of Burt's Bees?

A: Under The Carlyle Group's ownership, Burt's Bees is poised for continued growth and innovation while maintaining its commitment to natural ingredients and sustainable practices.

This evolution of ownership demonstrates Burt's Bees' remarkable journey. From its humble beginnings as a small beeswax candle company to its current status as a global natural personal care brand, the company’s story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, savvy business decisions, and a steadfast commitment to natural ingredients. While the ownership has changed hands, the core values of the brand remain, promising continued success in the future.