Unilever announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire REN Skincare, the iconic British skincare brand.
Created in 2000 by Antony Buck and Robert Calcraft, REN pioneered a new type of high performance skin care. REN’s combination of effectiveness, naturalness and pleasurable experience – articulated as ‘performance; purity; pleasure’ – gives the brand a highly distinctive market position that has global relevance. The multi-award winning brand is today sold in 50 countries and has built a committed consumer base. The range is sold predominantly in specialty stores and pharmacies.
Vasiliki Petrou, Unilever SVP Prestige Brands, says: “We are delighted to be adding REN to the Unilever portfolio of personal care brands. It is a brand with an incredibly loyal following, with a unique proposition that no doubt gives it potential for even further growth, especially given that the naturals category is one of the fastest growing in skincare globally. Its premium positioning complements well our existing portfolio.”
Antony Buck, REN CEO, adds: “It’s been an amazing experience creating and building REN over the last 15 years but it’s time for the brand to go to the next level. Unilever is a great company with great principles; it has a profound understanding of brands and global reach; it makes the perfect partner to help REN fulfil its future potential worldwide. We can’t wait to get started!”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in May 2015, subject to customary regulatory approvals.