What began as a niche, science-led skincare line produced out of the back of a family pharmacy is now L’Oréal Luxe’s latest investment in the future of premium beauty, as Medik8 joins the group’s growing global portfolio.

Earlier this week, L’Oréal Groupe announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Medik8, while the leading European private equity firm Inflexion retains its position as a minority shareholder. Importantly however, L’Oréal has secured the rights to fully buy out these minority shareholders in the future as part of the agreement.

Cyril Chapuy, President of L’Oréal Luxe, explains: ‘We share a strong belief in Medik8’s global potential and are excited to embark on this journey together to build a powerful and impactful brand presence worldwide.’

Echoing this sentiment, Simon Coble, CEO of Medik8, says he is ‘delighted’ to join forces ‘with a company that shares our vision for the brand’s future growth and whose core values align with our deep commitment to science, innovation, and above all, results without compromise’. He adds that he ‘looks forward to the next stage in Medik8’s journey as (they) work together to bring our innovative products to a wider audience”

This acquisition comes after L’Oréal Luxe’s $2.53 billion purchase of Australian luxury skin and body care brand Aesop in 2023.

With Medik8 joining the fold, it becomes the 27th brand in L’Oréal Luxe’s expanding, unparalleled portfolio dedicated to ‘reinventing the future of luxury beauty’.

It is L’Oréal Luxe’s first acquisition of a British beauty brand, reinforcing the growth potential of UK-founded, UK-manufactured brands. Since its founding by scientist Elliot Isaacs in 2009, Medik8 has been defined by its commitment to scientifically backed formulations, with a strong emphasis on efficacy and clinical research.

In its analysis of the deal, Beauty Independent highlights the industry defining £1bn deals that have come to characterise beauty over the last month. In a post on social media, it notes: ‘Coming less than two weeks after E.l.f. Beauty announced its big deal for Rhode, L’Oréal Groupe’s majority stake acquisition of Medik8 is inevitably going to be compared to it, but the two deals couldn’t be more distinct… What is similar is the around $1bn price. However, the price gives Rhode a revenue multiple of 4.7X, while Medik8 achieved a revenue multiple of around 13X based on last year’s sales.’

You can read the full statement from L’Oreal Groupe and Medik8 here