Australian skincare brand Aesop is now wholly owned by Brazil’s Natura Cosmetics.
In April 2013, Natura approved the acquisition of 65 percent of Emeis Holdings Pty Ltd., which operates under the brand name Aesop. The agreement includes put and call options, and empowers Natura to acquire up to 100 percent of Emeis upon approval of the company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.
Natura has exercised its purchase options to acquire all remaining common shares of Emeis, which has operations in 20 countries. In 2013, Aesop products were sold in just eight countries, through 57 signature—or standalone—stores and 54 department stores. Three years later, the hair, skin and body care formulations are available in 177 signature stores and 84 department stores.
Natura has gradually expanded its own retail strategy since opening its first boutique in Paris in 2005. Though direct sales continue to drive the bulk of revenue, in developed markets Natura is looking to build its brand through retail stores and e-commerce. That strategy extends to the U.S., where the company will open its first store in New York in February, according to a recent report from Women’s Wear Daily.
