It is majority-owned by private equity firm American Securities, with some minority stakes held by family members of founder Leandro Rizzuto.

The BaByliss brand was created by the hairstylists René Lelièvre and Roger Lemoine, working in Paris in the early 1960's.

Lelièvre innovated on the early curling tong, and marketed his products for professional hair stylists.

[5] The company also manufactures a wide range of home kitchen appliances under its brands Cuisinart and Waring.

In 2002 Rizzuto pleaded guilty to tax evasion associated with his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Conair, and was sentenced to a prison term of 20 to 37 months.