Cussons buys Fudge hair care brand

The Imperial Leather soap owner PZ Cussons has ramped up the expansion of its beauty division by splashing out £25.5m on the Australian-owned Fudge Hair Care brand.

Fudge, which is being sold by the privately held Sabre Group, is best-known for its Hair Shaper and Matte Hed products, sold chiefly through salons in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

PZ Cussons launched its beauty division, which includes the brands St Tropez, Sanctuary and Charles Worthington, a year ago.

Alex Kanellis, the chief executive, said: "The geographic and distribution footprint of Fudge is a perfect fit with the current portfolio and we see opportunity to develop its potential."