IN A $2.5 BILLION MOVE, BEAUTY POWERHOUSE L’OREAL HAS ACQUIRED AESOP, MARKING THEIR LARGEST ACQUISITION TO DATE.

With a deal to close in the second half of the year.
The iconic French cosmetics giant, L'Oréal, has vowed to assist Aesop, the renowned Australian luxury brand with a devoted following, in expanding its presence in China.

Aēsop, born in 1987, has gained a worldwide reputation for its exceptional skin, hair, and body products. The brand’s signature amber packaging, sustainably-sourced vegan formulations, and bespoke customer service have elevated it to a global super brand with a presence in luxury retail, beauty, and hospitality locations around the world. With over 400 points of sale across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, Aēsop’s recent expansion into China has marked the beginning of a new era. The brand has also reported sales of an impressive $537 million in 2022.

Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L’Oréal Groupe, expressed his excitement about welcoming Aēsop to the L’Oréal Groupe family. He noted that Aēsop’s avant-garde approach to beauty combines urbanity, hedonism, and undeniable luxury, and that the brand taps into all of today’s rising currents. L’Oréal aims to contribute to Aēsop’s growth potential, particularly in China and travel retail.

Cyril Chapuy, President of L’Oréal Luxe, and his team are also thrilled to have Aēsop join the L’Oréal Luxe portfolio. The brand’s design-led essence, highly efficacious and sensorial products, and customer-obsessed retail philosophy set it apart in the global luxury beauty market. Chapuy and his team look forward to welcoming Aēsop’s CEO Michael O’Keeffe and his experienced and passionate teams to continue to cultivate the brand’s uniqueness and values.

Fábio Barbosa, CEO of Natura &Co, said that the divestment of Aēsop marks a new development cycle for Natura &Co. The strengthened financial structure and deleveraged balance sheet will allow Natura &Co to focus on strategic priorities, including investment in Latin America, improving The Body Shop’s business, and refocusing Avon International’s footprint. Barbosa expressed pride in Aēsop’s success and gratitude to all of Aēsop’s associates who contributed immensely to the brand’s growth. The closing of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

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