Combe Incorporated, White Plains, NY, the world leader in men’s hair color products, will purchase J.B. Williams Company, Inc., of Glen Rock, NJ, a marketer of leading oral and men’s hair and personal care products in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The transaction is expected to close at the end of October, 2002. A purchase price was not disclosed.

With its 53-year history of developing products for unmet consumer needs, Combe is increasing its presence in the personal care arena by acquiring J.B. Williams brands, including Cepacol Mouthwash and Sore Throat products (and Cepasta Lozenges in Canada), Brylcreem, Aqua Velva, Lectric Shave men’s personal grooming products, Viractin topical medication and Williams Mug Soap. “With our company’s proud heritage in personal care products, this acquisition is a natural progression for us,”: explained Christopher B. Combe, chairman and CEO, and son of Combe founder, Ivan Combe. “It enables us to grow in a way that makes sense for our businesses and for our consumers, who have come to trust us for products that meet their needs.”

The J.B. Williams haircare brands will supplement the stable of Combe products, including the Just For Men Haircolor line, developed by Combe specifically for men and launched in 1987, which is the world’s largest selling men’s hair color product line. Combe haircolor products comprise more than 75% of the $132 million men’s hair color category.

“In addition to the fit between Combe and J.B. Williams in the hair color arena, the Cepacol products are a strong fit with our own Sea-Bond oral care products, including the denture adhesive, as well as with the Brimms denture care products line, which we acquired in 2001,” explained James E. Kelly, senior vice president, sales and marketing, at Combe. “This should be a straightforward marketing transition, as the Combe brands, as well as the J.B. Williams products, are sold nationwide in major mass merchandisers, drug and food stores.”

Combe, a privately-held company, also makes Grecian Formula 16, Grecian 5 Haircolor, Lanacane Anti-Itch Creme, Scalpicin medication, Odor-Eaters foot care products and Vagisil feminine care products