Shiseido Americas has signed an agreement with Alticor Inc. to acquire its wholly-owned subsidiary Gurwitch Products, a marketer of global prestige cosmetics and skincare brands.
Under the terms of the agreement, Shiseido Americas will acquire 100% of the membership interests in Gurwitch, including Gurwitch’s portfolio of leading prestige brands: Laura Mercier and RéVive.
Shiseido said Laura Mercier and RéVive are “highly complementary” to its portfolio of prestige make-up and skincare brands, and the combination is expected to provide Shiseido with “significant” growth opportunities, expanded customer reach and an even stronger foothold in the prestige make-up market.
Under the Shiseido corporate umbrella, Laura Mercier and RéVive will be able to utilise the company’s strong global platform to accelerate growth in high-potential markets and capitalise on untapped opportunities in the USA and internationally, including Asia, Shiseido noted.
Laura Mercier and RéVive will also be able to leverage Shiseido’s regional infrastructure in the Americas and shared resources to improve productivity and effectiveness.
Shiseido Americas President and Chief Executive Officer Marc Rey said: “We are thrilled to welcome Laura Mercier and RéVive to the Shiseido family. Both brands have unique viewpoints, fast-growing and loyal customer bases, and the same focus on innovation that defines all of Shiseido’s brands.
“Laura Mercier’s classic French elegance and artistry perfectly complement the unique styles and offerings of NARS, bareMinerals, Shiseido and Clé de Peau Beauté to create a formidable portfolio of prestige make-up. And RéVive, with its proven restorative formulas and use of technologies, is a terrific fit with Shiseido’s skincare heritage.
“Shiseido is well positioned to generate significant value from this attractive acquisition opportunity, and we are energised to use our regional and global resources to take these brands to the next level and further strengthen our overall position in the marketplace.”
“Shiseido is the perfect home for Gurwitch and these beloved brands at this stage in their trajectory,” said Candace Matthews, who oversees the Gurwitch business and is President of the Americas Region for Amway, an Alticor portfolio company. “As part of the Shiseido portfolio, Laura Mercier and RéVive will be able to build upon their impressive growth and successes while introducing their products and techniques to more customers around the world. Shiseido has the tools and expertise to help these brands continue to thrive, and shares Gurwitch’s unwavering dedication to empowering customers and celebrating individual beauty.”
The acquisition is consistent with Shiseido’s medium-to-long-term strategy Vision 2020 goal to accelerate global growth and the company’s strategy to leverage regional strengths, assets and expertise for global benefit.
The transaction, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016. Following the close, Shiseido Americas said it expects to rapidly integrate the new brands into its regional organisation.
