L’Oréal announced the signing of an agreement with Castanea Partners to acquire Urban Decay.
Based in Newport Beach California, Urban Decay, created in 1996 by make-up expert Wende Zomnir, has built a reputation based on the concept of “beauty with an edge” and values of femininity and irreverence. The line has star products in the eye category such as the Naked Palette and recently successfully launched its new foundation, the Naked Skin weightless liquid make-up. Urban Decay is popular among the youthful highly-involved cutting-edge consumers who are attracted by the fashion-forward image of the brand. The market for make-up specialist brands represents 44% of the luxury make-up market in the US.
In the fiscal year ended in June 2012, Urban Decay recorded net sales of 130 million US dollars.
“Urban Decay will beautifully complement L’Oréal Luxe’s portfolio of iconic brands. It is the make-up specialist we needed to fully satisfy young women in search of playful colors and inspiration in selective distribution, at an accessible price point.,” said Nicolas Hieronimus, President L’Oréal Luxe.
Urban Decay is distributed in the key assisted self-service channel which includes among others Ulta and Sephora. It is one of the fastest growing segments in the US luxury retail universe.
In the US, Urban Decay will report to Carol Hamilton, President of L’Oréal Luxe USA.
The closing is subject to regulatory approval which is expected by the end of the year.
L’Oréal
L’Oréal, the global beauty company, has catered to all forms of beauty in the world for over 100 years and has built a portfolio of 27 international, diverse and complementary brands. With sales amounting to 20.3 billion euros in 2011, L’Oréal employs 68,900 people worldwide. Regarding sustainable development, Corporate Knights, a Global Responsible Investment Network, has selected L’Oréal for its 2012 ranking of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World. L’Oréal has received this distinction for the 5th consecutive year.
L’Oréal USA
L’Oréal USA, headquartered in New York City, with 2011 sales of over $5.1 billion and 9,800 employees, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of L’Oréal SA, the world’s leading beauty company. In addition to corporate headquarters in New York, L’Oréal USA has Research and Innovation, Manufacturing and Distribution facilities across seven states, including New Jersey, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, Texas and Washington. L’Oréal’s portfolio of brands includes Lancôme, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Viktor & Rolf, Diesel, Cacharel, Clarisonic, L’Oréal Paris, Garnier, Vichy, La Roche-Posay, L’Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase and Shu Uemura Art of Hair, Maybelline New York, Soft-Sheen.Carson, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, essie Cosmetics, Redken 5th
