Luxury cosmetics firm, L’Occitane International SA agreed to buy beauty and skincare brand, Elemis

Paris – CFI France is pleased to announce that they have been the sole buy-side advisor to L’Occitane in the acquisition of Elemis.

L’Occitane is a global manufacturer and retailer of natural cosmetics and wellbeing products that are rich in natural and organic ingredients. Present in 90 countries, L’Occitane develops five leading natural beauty brands (L’Occitane en Provence, Melvita, Erborian, L’Occitane Au Brésil and LimeLife by Alcone) in a global network of more than 3,000 retail outlets, including over 1,500 owned stores. Listed in Hong Kong on the HKSE, the Group recorded net sales of €1.3Bn in 2018.

Founder-led since 1990, Elemis is a global brand for luxury skincare products for face and body, leader in skincare in the United Kingdom. Elemis’ premium quality beauty products are sourced from natural ingredients with scientifically-proven formulas. Elemis sells both directly to consumers through its websites and to various distribution channels, including digital, retail distribution, QVC, professional spa and maritime. Elemis recorded sales of $140m in 2018e, growing a +26% annually and an EBITDA of $40m (EBITDA margin of 28%), growing +45% annually.

The acquisition fits into the Group’s strategy of building a leading portfolio of premium cosmetics brands. The acquisition will further strengthen L’Occitane’s omni-channel distribution and product categories, particularly in skincare, in which it has invested substantially in recent years. Elemis has enormous growth potential in untouched markets and channels. Led by its existing management team, the brand will leverage on L’Occitane’s geographical presence to expand into new markets, particularly in Asia Pacific where the Group has strong presence.

The transaction closed on 1. March 2019.