Shiseido Americas signs agreement to acquire Gurwitch Products

Shiseido Americas has signed a definitive agreement to acquire US-based Gurwitch Products from Alticor.

Gurwitch Products markets cosmetics and skincare brands and its annual sales touched $175m in fiscal year 2015.

Under the agreement, Shiseido Americas will purchase 100% of the membership interests in Gurwitch, including its line of brands – Laura Mercier and RéVive.

Laura Mercier is a global brand of colour cosmetics, skincare, and body and bath products, and RéVive is a luxury skincare brand.

These two brands will complement Shiseido’s portfolio of makeup and skincare brands.

Shiseido Americas president and CEO Marc Rey said: "We are thrilled to welcome Laura Mercier and RéVive to the Shiseido family. Both brands have unique viewpoints, fast-growing and loyal customer bases, and the same focus on innovation that defines all of Shiseido’s brands.

"Laura Mercier’s classic French elegance and artistry perfectly complements the unique styles and offerings of NARS, bareMinerals, Shiseido and clé de peau BEAUTÉ to create a formidable portfolio of prestige makeup. And RéVive, with its proven restorative formulas and use the technologies, is a terrific fit with Shiseido’s skincare heritage.

"Shiseido is well-positioned to generate significant value from this attractive acquisition opportunity, and we are energised to use our regional and global resources to take these brands to the next level and further strengthen our overall position in the marketplace."

An Alticor portfolio company, Amway’s president of the Americas region Candace Matthews, who also oversees the Gurwitch business, said: "Shiseido is the perfect home for Gurwitch and these beloved brands at this stage in their trajectory.

"As part of the Shiseido portfolio, Laura Mercier and RéVive will be able to build upon their impressive growth and successes while introducing their products and techniques to more customers around the world."

This acquisition will provide Shiseido with growth opportunities and expanded customer reach.

Under the Shiseido portfolio, Laura Mercier and RéVive will be able to make use of the company’s global platform to speed up growth in high-potential markets and leverage untapped opportunities in the US and Asian markets.