BUSINESS

L'Oreal's Big Beauty Bet: What's in It for Them?

FranceTue Oct 21 2025

L'Oreal just made a huge move in the beauty world.

They spent $4.7 billion to buy some top brands from Kering. This isn't just any purchase. It gives L'Oreal the rights to make products for big names like Gucci for 50 years. That's a long time in business!

Why is this a big deal?

Well, L'Oreal already has a strong presence in the beauty market. This deal makes them even stronger. They now have the rights to create perfumes and cosmetics for Gucci, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta. That's on top of the brands they already have, like Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino.

But it's not just about the big names. L'Oreal also gets control of Creed, a high-end perfumer known for its expensive fragrances. Creed has been growing slower than other brands, but L'Oreal has the resources to turn things around. They can use their global reach and financial strength to boost sales, especially in places like the Middle East, where luxury fragrances are becoming more popular.

A Strategic Move

This deal isn't just about adding new brands. It's about securing L'Oreal's position as a leader in the luxury beauty market. With these new licenses, they can create more products and reach more customers. It's a smart move that could pay off for decades.

Challenges Ahead

But it's not all smooth sailing. L'Oreal is investing a lot of money upfront. They'll need to make sure these brands grow and perform well to justify the cost. If they can do that, this deal could be a huge success.

questions

    Will the acquisition of Creed mean that L'Oreal can finally afford to buy out the competition, or will they still be stuck with 'who?' when asked about their brands?
    Is L'Oreal's acquisition of these brands a front for a larger, more secretive agenda within the beauty industry?
    How might the market dynamics shift as a result of this acquisition, and what could be the long-term implications for consumers?

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