Unilever has announced its plans to invest a further Ft 2 bn
(€7.7m) into its cosmetics and household chemicals plant in
Northeast Hungary in order to boost production in the area.
The world's largest cosmetics company, L'Oreal, has acquired a 50
per cent controlling stake in the beauty business Le Club des
Createurs de Beaute, currently owned by 3 Suisses International.
PPR Group has reported strong results for 2007 despite negative
effects of the weakening of the yen and the dollar that negatively
impacted the luxury goods division.
Henkel has reported a positive sales increase for its cosmetics and
toiletries sector although sales in North America have suffered
across all divisions.
As part of its ambitions to grow its brand footprint on a global
basis, Germany-based Beiersdorf says it wants to up its
investment for marketing and advertising in the US market.
UK-based cosmetics company Lush has signed a deal with an
Australian company for the supply of Indian sandalwood for a new
product range based on the oil.
Oriflame's sales force increased twenty per cent during the fourth
quarter leading to strong sales results, although profit was
affected by significant restructuring costs.
Givaudan achieved savings by integrating Quest International ahead
of plan, increasing its product portfolio and allowing it to
refocus on higher value-adding ingredients.
Indian chemical company Vivimed Laboratories acquires UK-based
James Robinson in order to increase its global presence in the
speciality chemicals market.
Maesa (previously Parfum d'image) has announced plans to create a
Shanghai subsidiary to expand the company's business in China after
successful first quarter results.
Despite Clarins announcing solid quarterly results last week
there is still speculation over who might try and bid for one
of the last remaining major independent companies in the business.
Despite the tough retail conditions in the US Estee Lauder has
recorded particularly strong sales and net profits for its second
quarter thanks to solid international sales boosted by a weak
dollar.
The merger and acquisition highlights for 2007 include
consolidation in the natural and organics market, further
acquisitions by the biggest players and rumors concerning the
future ownership of Clarins and Estee Lauder.
Demand is growing for natural cosmetics in China, driven by a
traditional preference for natural ingredients and the fear of
toxic chemicals in consumer goods.
First quarter sales made significant progress at Elizabeth Arden,
which the company said was largely attributable to the successful
international launch of its new Mariah Carey fragrance.
New Jersey-based International Flavors and Fragrances has reported
a strong increase in its third quarter sales driven by its flavors
division, but profits are hit by administration charges.
Despite Estee Lauder reporting a healthy increase for its first
quarter sales, profits have been hit by lower operating income as a
result of increased marketing expenses and falling US sales.
L'Oreal overcame the stagnant US market and met high sales
expectations for the third quarter with the help of several product
releases including the launch of Diesel's first fragrance.
Leading UK toothpaste packaging manufacturer Betts Global has been
bought out by private equity specialist Gresham in a move that aims
to better position the company for future global growth.
Business development company Allied Capital has pledged $51m
towards the buyout of hotels personal care and amenities supplier
Gilchrist & Soames by private equity group Swander Pace
Capital.
Global direct sales player Mary Kay is making a $20m investment in
the Indian market for cosmetics and personal care products in an
attempt to tap into fast-growing sales in this rapidly evolving
market.
Ireland-based Alltracel has revealed that it is preparing to
acquire the oral care specialist Synpart in a bid to lead the
European private label market for oral care products.
An ambitious expansion programme seems to be paying off for the
Swedish direct sales firm, Oriflame, as both sales and operating
profits register significant growth.
As savings from restructuring kick in, oral and personal care giant
Colgate-Palmolive has reported a robust quarter, with sales
significantly boosted by a raft of international product launches.
Dallas-based Kimberly-Clark has reported a significant increase in
its second quarter sales, marked by particularly strong personal
care growth in Europe and the emerging markets.
Global oral and personal care player Colgate-Palmolive has
announced that Ian Cook has taken over from Reuben Mark as CEO of
the company as part of a long-term succession plan that will allow
the out-going Mark to retire.
Procter & Gamble said that net quarterly sales were up 8 per
cent to $18.69bn, driven by double-digit growth in the baby &
family care division and high single-digit sales growth in the
beauty and blades and razors division.
Sweden based direct sales company, Oriflame has posted strong Q1
sales growth, achieved by a concerted recruitment drive in all
areas, and promotions associated with the company's 40th
anniversary.
The UK's leading health and Beauty store, Alliance Boots, is due to
be sold into the private sector, following the backing of board
members of a £10.6bn take-over bid.
Global personal care provider Johnson & Johnson is rumored
to have taken over China cosmetics giant Dabao in a move that
would secure it the country's largest domestic skin care provider.
Swiss flavours and fragrance manufacturers Givaudan has reported
strong Q1 results - as a direct impact of the acquisition of Quest
International last year.
Swiss fragrance and flavors giant Givaudan will open a new perfume
creation centre in East Hannover, billed as the most
technologically advanced facility of its kind.
The global market for biocides used in the production of personal
care products has grown by 40 per cent since 1996 to reach a value
$570m, despite the fact that growth in demand is falling in the US.
L'Oreal has yet again reported booming operating profits, driven by
lucrative acquisitions such as natural cosmetics company, The Body
Shop and product innovations – but despite the continued rise, net
earnings came in below...
Sales of cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances in France grew at 5.7
per cent in 2006, the fastest rate of increase in five years and a
figure that puts it well ahead of average industry growth, both
within France and the European...
Oriflame is going strong in the direct sales market after the
company reported a massive 20 per cent boost in sales for 2006 on
the back of strong skin care and colour cosmetics sales, despite
disappointing net profits.
Avon's turn around is starting to happen, after the company
reported a 9 per cent boost in sales for the fourth quarter on the
back of strong fragrance and color sales.
Profits are up at Estee Lauder, prompting the company to increase
its full-year outlook, driven by strong sales growth in all
categories together with the benefits of cost saving initiatives.