Japanese consumer products maker Kao Corp. said Friday it has acquired U.S. detergent maker Washing Systems LLC to strengthen its business in the growing North American commercial laundry market.The two companies did not disclose the transaction value, but Kao has purchased the Ohio-based company from its owner Gryphon Investors for several tens of billions of yen, a source close to the matter said.The acquisition comes as Kao is pushing to expand its mainstay chemical business overseas following the purchase of U.S. luxury hair care brand Oribe Hair Care LLC in 2017 and major U.S. and Span…READ FULL ARTICLE
