L’Oréal to Buy Aēsop for $2.5 Billion

L’Oréal (Clichy, France) has signed an agreement to acquire Australian beauty brand Aēsop (Melbourne) from its current owner, Brazil’s Natura &Co (São Paulo). The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is valued at about $2.5 billion.

Founded in 1987, Aēsop sells skin, hair and body products. With its signature amber packaging, plant-based ingredients, sustainable vegan formulations and bespoke customer service, the company describes itself as “a global super brand available across luxury retail, beauty, and hospitality locations around the world.” It has just under 400 stores globally, including about 90 in the U.S.

“Aēsop is the epitome of avant-garde beauty, whose products are not only made with great care and exceptional attention to detail; they are a superb combination of urbanity, hedonism and undeniable luxury,” said L’Oréal Groupe CEO Nicolas Hieronimus. “Aēsop taps into all of today’s ascending currents and L’Oréal will contribute to unleash its massive growth potential, notably in China and travel retail.”

Natura &Co CEO Fábio Barbosa said “the divestment of Aēsop marks a new development cycle for Natura &Co. With a strengthened financial structure and a deleveraged balance sheet, by exercising strict financial discipline, Nature &Co will be able to sharpen its focus on its strategic priorities, notably our investment plan in Latin America. We will also be able to concentrate on continuing to improve The Body Shop’s business and refocusing Avon International’s footprint.”