The year 2024 has showcased major players strategically expanding their portfolios and niche brands, gaining new footprints under influential owners. These M&A deals, from skincare and haircare to makeup and fragrance, reflect a bustling landscape driven by innovation, market positioning, and consumer demand. Highlights include The Honey Pot, Shiseido's venture into high-performance skincare with Dr. Barbara Sturm, Suave Brands Company's acquisition of ChapStick, and Bridgepoint revitalizing RoC Skincare.
Meanwhile, traditional retail stalwarts like Space NK entered new chapters, with PCA Companies acquiring its U.S. wholesale division to bolster an advanced beauty portfolio. Let's dive into the major mergers and acquisitions that have shaped the beauty industry landscape this year.
1. Shiseido Acquires Dr. Barbara Sturm
One of the standout deals was Shiseido's acquisition of Dr. Barbara Sturm, marking the Japanese multinational's expansion into high-performance skincare. The deal reflects an ongoing trend of major players investing in premium and niche brands.
2. L Catterton acquires Naomi Watts' Stripes Beauty
In June 2024, L Catterton acquired Stripes Beauty, a menopause-care brand founded by actress Naomi Watts. Launched in 2022 to normalize discussions around menopause, Stripes Beauty offers science-backed personal care products. As part of the acquisition, former Revlon CEO Debra Perelman was named executive chair, and Cara Kamenev became president. The brand plans to expand its product line with supplements like Dream Date and extend its market presence to Amazon, QVC, and Canada.
3. Henkel to Acquire Vidal Sassoon's Greater China Division
German conglomerate Henkel made headlines by acquiring Vidal Sassoon’s Greater China Division. This acquisition aligns with Henkel’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Asian market, capitalizing on the growing demand for premium hair care products.
4. Bridgepoint Acquires RoC Skincare
European private equity firm Bridgepoint acquired RoC Skincare, a renowned brand in anti-aging skincare. This acquisition will bring fresh investment and revitalized marketing efforts to bolster RoC's market standing.
5. Clinical Skin Acquires Glytone
Clinical Skin’s acquisition of Glytone is yet another significant merger, combining Clinical Skin's innovative approaches with Glytone’s well-established expertise in skincare. This synergy aims to push the boundaries of dermatological skincare solutions.
6. e.l.f. Acquires Naturium
In a major move, e.l.f. Cosmetics acquired the popular skincare brand Naturium. This acquisition supports e.l.f.'s strategy of enhancing its skincare portfolio with effective, science-backed products that appeal to a broad consumer base.
7. Unilever Acquires K18
Unilever expanded its footprint in the haircare market by acquiring K18, a brand renowned for its cutting-edge hair treatment technology. This acquisition is expected to enrich Unilever's offerings in the professional haircare segment.
8. iBeauty Brands Acquires Voloom
In April, iBeauty Brands, known for manufacturing hair tools and skincare devices, acquired Voloom, the creator of a patented hair volumizing iron. This strategic acquisition will leverage Voloom’s innovative technology to enhance iBeauty Brands' product lineup.
9. Alyson Hogg Re-acquires Vita Liberata
Alyson Hogg, the original founder of self-tan brand Vita Liberata, re-acquired the brand from Crown Laboratories. This move will bring a renewed focus and innovation to Vita Liberata under its founder’s leadership.
10. Monogram Capital Partners Takes Majority Stake in Tru Fragrance & Beauty
Monogram Capital Partners secured a majority stake in Tru Fragrance & Beauty, which includes brands like Le Monde Gourmand and Undone Beauty. This acquisition aims to scale Tru Fragrance & Beauty's operations and expand its market reach.
11. Grown Alchemist Changes Ownership
Australian skincare brand Grown Alchemist saw its majority stake sold by L'Occitane Group to André Hoffman, the group's former vice chairman. This acquisition, priced at 28 million euros, positions Grown Alchemist for further growth and innovation.
12. Fable Investments Takes Stake in Eadem
Fable Investments, the venture capital fund of Natura & Co., took an undisclosed stake in Eadem, signaling its commitment to supporting emerging beauty brands that focus on inclusivity and sustainability.
13. Clariant Acquires Lucas Meyer Cosmetics
Clariant, a specialty chemical company, acquired Lucas Meyer Cosmetics for an enterprise value of $810 million in a significant deal. This acquisition is expected to drive Clariant's growth in advanced cosmetic ingredients.
14. 900.care Raises €21 Million
March saw 900.care, a brand specializing in natural, refillable skincare products, raise 21 million euros in a funding round led by Lombard Odier Investment Managers. This funding is set to fuel the brand’s expansion and product development.
15. Allies of Skin Raises $20 Million
Singapore-based skincare brand Allies of Skin raised $20 million from Meaningful Partners, a significant boost supporting its mission to develop effective, science-driven skincare solutions.
16. Caudalie Founders Invest in Skin and Out
Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, the founders of Caudalie, invested 1.5 million euros in Skin and Out, a natural acne care brand. This investment reflects their confidence in the brand’s potential to revolutionize acne treatment.
17. Advent International Acquires Skala Cosméticos
Advent International acquired a majority stake in Skala Cosméticos, a vegan hair care brand based in Brazil. This acquisition underscores Advent’s investing strategy in high-growth regions and industry segments.
18. French Luxury Brand Cible Skin Receives Investment
Cible Skin, a luxury French skincare brand, received a significant minority investment from Verlinvest, enabling the brand to scale its operations and accelerate product innovation.
19. Ulta Beauty’s Prisma Invests in Myavana
Ulta Beauty’s digital innovation fund, Prisma, invested in Myavana, a beauty-tech business that leverages AI technology for personalized hair care solutions.
20. Manzanita Capital Acquires D.S. & Durga
Manzanita Capital acquired a majority stake in Brooklyn-based fragrance brand D.S. & Durga in January. This acquisition aims to elevate D.S. & Durga's market presence and expand its product offerings.
21. Yellow Wood Partners Acquires ChapStick
Yellow Wood Partners expanded its consumer brand portfolio by acquiring ChapStick from Haleon for $430 million. This strategic move enhances its foothold in the personal care market.
22. Ultra Violette Receives $15 Million Investment
Australian skincare brand Ultra Violette received a $15 million AUD minority investment from Aria Growth Partners, positioning the brand for rapid growth and market expansion.
23. Compass Diversified Acquires The Honey Pot Company
Compass Diversified acquired a majority stake in The Honey Pot Company, a brand known for its plant-derived feminine care products, for an enterprise value of $380 million. This acquisition will support The Honey Pot Company's growth and innovation endeavors.
24. Puig Acquires Majority Stake in Dr. Barbara Sturm
Spanish beauty and fashion company Puig acquired a majority stake in Dr. Barbara Sturm, a brand famed for its advanced, medical-grade skincare products.
25. PCA Companies Makes Its First Retail Acquisition With Space NK
In June 2024, global beauty platform PCA Companies acquired Space NK's U.S. wholesale division, marking its first foray into retail. This strategic move, encompassing roughly 600 distribution points across major retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, signifies a pivot for Space NK, focusing solely on the UK market. PCA Companies plans to rename the U.S. business while maintaining existing brand partnerships and systems.
