Alberto Culver history

1961: Company goes public, introduces Alberto VO5 Hair Spray, and establishes an international sales division.

By 1963 Alberto-Culver was ranked second among advertisers of hair care products.

The results were evident: in 1964 sales were still climbing, exceeding more than $100 million.

Company stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1965.

Kleen Guard Furniture Polish went on sale in 1966, and new manufacturing operations were initiated in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

By 1967 Alberto-Culver Company had more than 2,000 employees and sold products in more than 65 countries.

1969: Sally Beauty Company is acquired.

Alberto-Culver had another significant first in 1972: it won the fight for 30-second commercials.

Sales were down in 1974, although company products were being sold in more than 100 countries, and a new food plant had been built in Melrose Park.

The first 60-second hot oil deep conditioner, Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Treatment, was introduced in 1976 and became the country's number one selling brand.

Bernick joined Alberto-Culver in 1977.

In 1980 Phillippe of California was acquired, along with its line of handbags.

When sales topped $500 million in 1987, Alberto-Culver joined the ranks of the Fortune 500.

In 1989 175 stores that had been owned and operated as Safeway Stores were purchased and converted.

In 1990 it began to perform better and was making a fresh entrance into markets in Spain, Australia, and the Far East.

Alberto-Culver purchased Cederroth International AB, a Swedish producer of health and hygiene goods, in 1991.

When sales rose again in 1992, and profits improved considerably in the toiletries and household/grocery divisions, Alberto-Culver Company attributed its decision to plump up advertising spending that year to a desire to overcome the weak market.

By 1994 revenues had reached $1.22 billion, and profits were a record $44.1 million.

For 1999, sales at Sally passed the $1 billion mark for the first time.

2000: Pro-Line Corporation is acquired.

The company's 2007 sales were reported at US$1.54 billion.

Alberto-Culver was purchased by consumer goods company Unilever on September 27, 2010 for US$3.7 billion.