PZ Cussons began in Sierra Leone, Africa, in 1884, when founders George Zochonis and George Paterson began trading commodities with the UK. Nearly a century later, the firm they founded joined with an equally illustrious competitor, creating the PZ Cussons we know today.
Over all those years we’ve grown to become an international consumer goods group – home to some of the world’s best-loved and most trusted brands. The bold spirit, energy and entrepreneurship of our founders, combined with strong beliefs about how best to do business and a love of learning from people, are still at the very core of who we are.
PZ Cussons’ products delight, care and nourish, and have found a place in millions of households for generations. It’s a legacy that makes us both humble and proud.
1884
George Paterson and George Zochonis set up a trading post in Sierra Leone
George Paterson and George Zochonis set up a trading post in Sierra Leone, trading goods between West Africa and the UK across challenging geographies in a period of slow and difficult travel. The two men shared strong beliefs on how to do business effectively and responsibly, with an entrepreneurial spirit, an eye for great opportunities and a can–do attitude – values that still guide the organisation today!
1899
Paterson and Zochonis open their first branch office in Nigeria
Paterson and Zochonis open their first branch office in Nigeria – a country which would become our biggest market employing the majority of our people.
1900's
Expanding Our Business
The 1900’s was a rapid period of expansion for the business, establishing bases across Africa, Europe and Asia.
1948
Soap factory in Nigeria open
Paterson and Zochonis open our first soap factory in Nigeria.
1953
The London Stock Exchange
PZ is listed on the London Stock Exchange, a fantastic endorsement of the group’s performance through challenging times and two world wars.
1969
Manufacturing base set up
The growth continues as PZ establishes a manufacturing base in Ghana.
1975
PZ aquire Cussons
PZ acquire UK company Cussons, including leading household soap brand Imperial Leather.
1980s and 1990s
First soap factory in Kenya
We purchase our first soap factory in Kenya and establish operations in Thailand, Indonesia and Poland.
2000
Building for the Future
During this period we build a state of the art personal wash Liquids Manufacturing Centre, Innovation Centre and Perfurmery in Agecroft, a new soap bar facility in Thailand, and upgrade our personal and homecare manufacturing bases in Nigeria.
2002
Paterson Zochonis Plc is renamed PZ Cussons Plc.
Paterson Zochonis Plc is renamed PZ Cussons Plc. We also acquire niche personal care brand Original Source.
2004
Charles Worthington
PZ Cussons acquires Charles Worthington premium hair care business.
2008
Sanctuary Spa
PZ Cussons acquires leading UK spa brand Sanctuary Spa.
2010
Acquisitions and Moving Home
PZ Cussons acquires leading sunless tanning brand St Tropez, later expanding distribution to over 18 countries.
We also establish PZ Wilmar, a joint venture with Wilmar International, building a palm oil refinery in Nigeria and establishing a food ingredients business.
Our new International Headquarters is opened in Manchester and the PZ Cussons Beauty Division is established in London.
2013
We acquire Rafferty's Garden
We acquire leading Australian baby food brand Rafferty’s Garden, marking our entry into the Asian Food & Nutrition market.
ABout us
We build brands to serve consumers better with Hygiene, Baby and Beauty at our core. We remain focused on Building brands for life. Today and for future generations
ABout us
We build brands to serve consumers better with Hygiene, Baby and Beauty at our core. We remain focused on Building brands for life. Today and for future generations
Want to know more?
