Boots Acquired by Canada’s Weston Family for $8.9 Billion
The Westons agreed on Wednesday to buy the UK's Boots from Sycamore Partners and the Pessina family, pledging to invest in the retailer's stores and online and expand healthcare services.
Beauty
Analysis and advice on the fast-evolving beauty business.
Now Worth $1 Billion, Beautycounter Aims for Big Leap
The company, in which Carlyle Group bought a majority stake in April, plans on amping up its digital capabilities and brand awareness.
The Return of Makeup
After a year of mask-wearing, all signs point to a comeback for makeup. But like most sectors, the pandemic has reconfigured the category.
How SPF Became a Beauty Buzzword
Not so long ago, sunscreen was mainly a drug store staple marketed only in the summer months. Now, SPF products are a beauty aisle mainstay.
Will the Body and Skin Positivity Movement Gain Global Traction?
To navigate selling in both western and Asian markets, beauty brands must learn to balance maintaining a cohesive identity while appealing to consumers with different priorities.
Will the At-Home Manicure Survive the End of Lockdowns?
Kits for do-it-yourself manicures, keratin treatments, hair dye and more saw success in a world where salon doors were closed. Can they keep the buzz going?
BoF LIVE: Sephora and the State of Beauty Retail
The LVMH-owned beauty giant is surrounded by daunting challenges across channels and markets as rivals emerge. This week, BoF unpacks the next chapter of Sephora, and what’s in store for the beauty industry as a whole.
What China’s Beauty Regulation Change Means for Foreign Brands
Securing regulatory approval could be a game-changing milestone for foreign brands previously deterred by animal-testing requirements. But trade barriers remain.
Breaking Down Farfetch’s Big Beauty Play
As the luxury marketplace draws up plans to dive head first into the lucrative beauty category in 2022, a potential tie-up with Violet Grey is just the tip of the iceberg. Will its ambitious strategy work?
Can Halal Cosmetics Ride the Clean Beauty Wave?
Halal cosmetics are gaining traction beyond the core demographic of observant Muslim consumers thanks to the vegan and ethical beauty movements. But running a halal brand has its challenges.
Can Zara Crack Beauty?
The brand has mastered the art of quick, trendy fashion. But it remains to be seen if it has the right formula for beauty.
Case Study | Sephora’s Bid to Dominate Global Beauty Retail
Beauty’s early retail innovator is beset by challenges across several sales channels and global markets. As rivals now look to disrupt the original disruptor, Sephora’s next chapter may be its most arduous yet.
Why Valentino Is Finally Launching Makeup
The Italian fashion brand was one of the last major luxury labels without its own beauty line. The debut follows successful cosmetics launches for Gucci and Hermès.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Report: L’Oréal Explores Unloading Chemical-Related Liabilities
The French company has engaged restructuring advisers to explore options for rising US legal liabilities linked to its use of talc and other chemical ingredients in some of its cosmetic products, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Sycamore Said to Near Deal to Sell Boots
The private equity firm is nearing a deal, valued at $9 billion, to sell the UK health and beauty retail business to the Canadian branch of the billionaire Weston family, a source told Bloomberg.
Dyson’s $499 AI Toothbrush Sees Rocky Debut
The UK firm blamed a production error resulting in ‘water seepage’ for the disappearance of its newly launched camera-equipped toothbrush from stores.
Sephora to Launch at Marks & Spencer
‘Sephora at M&S’ will roll out in M&S stores and online starting next spring, with plans to expand to 100 locations by the end of 2028.
Novo Buys Rights to Early Obesity Pill For $2.6 Billion
The Wegovy maker has signed a deal to license an experimental obesity pill from China’s Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals as it seeks to regain share of the global GLP-1 market.
Oura Delays US IPO
The smart ring maker said on Tuesday it has delayed its US initial public offering, citing market uncertainty.
Scarlett Johansson’s Skincare Brand The Outset Closes
As of Monday, the premium brand’s website has been updated with a message announcing its closure.