French beauty giant L’Oréal has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Indian personal care company Innovist, marking a significant expansion move as the global beauty leader sharpens its focus on India’s rapidly growing beauty market. The companies did not disclose official financial details, but media reports peg the deal valuation between $350–450 million (₹3,240–4,170 crore). This acquisition marks L’Oréal’s first purchase of an Indian company in nearly 13 years, since it bought Mumbai-based Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals.
Innovist, the parent company of fast-growing digital-first brands like Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, Sunscoop, and Vinci Botanicals, will join L’Oréal’s Consumer Products Division. The deal highlights a shift among global beauty firms toward acquiring science-led, e-commerce-driven brands to stay relevant with younger consumers. Innovist has demonstrated strong growth driven by its science-led positioning and e-commerce momentum, and has recently turned profitable.
Under the agreement, Innovist’s founding team will remain minority shareholders holding 49.7% stake and continue operating the business in partnership with L’Oréal India after the transaction closes, ensuring continuity in leadership and preserving the company’s entrepreneurial approach. External shareholders including Sauce VC and Point72 Ventures also hold stakes in Innovist. The transaction is expected to be completed in the coming months after regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. L’Oréal has also secured rights to fully acquire the remaining minority stake in the future, potentially owning 100% over time. This strategic move complements L’Oréal’s portfolio with local brands tailored for Indian consumers in the booming ₹4,000 crore digital beauty space.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
Q1: How much is L’Oréal paying for Innovist’s majority stake?
Media reports peg the deal valuation between $350–450 million (₹3,240–4,170 crore), though L’Oréal and Innovist did not disclose official financial details.
Q2: What brands does Innovist own?
Innovist owns digital-first personal care brands Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, Sunscoop, and Vinci Botanicals, all science-led and e-commerce-driven.
Q3: Will Innovist’s founders stay after the acquisition?
Yes, founders will remain minority shareholders with 49.7% stake and continue leading the business alongside L’Oréal India, with L’Oréal gaining rights to buy full ownership later.