International cosmetics giant Estee Lauder is aiming to increase
its presence in the fast growing market of India by targeting the
country's biggest cities.
Unilever has announced that it is selling its edible oils business
and palm oil plantation interests in the Ivory Coast, and will
instead invest in a soap business in the country.
Having acquired Kanebo Cosmetics in 2005, the logistics operations
for the two businesses are now in the throes of a massive
integration operation as part of aims to fully synthesize the
business.
Faces Cosmetics has appointed a new CEO for international
markets who will be charged with growing the business in
some of the world's fastest growing developing markets.
Symrise has reported a sales increase for the first quarter of 2008
led mainly by emerging markets but bottom line figures suffered due
to higher energy and raw material costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.