NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2016--
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) announced today that it has
acquired By Kilian, the Paris-based prestige fragrance brand that
embodies timeless sophistication and modern luxury. Terms of the deal
were not disclosed.
Founded in 2007 by Kilian Hennessy, By Kilian has built a passionate
global following with its distinctive emphasis on sensuous olfactive
storytelling. Sold in more than 40 countries worldwide – primarily in
North America, Europe and the Middle East – through immersive
freestanding stores, select prestige department stores and perfumeries,
By Kilian offers an exclusive “wardrobe” of scents that reflect Mr.
Hennessy’s deep-rooted legacy of luxury and creativity. By Kilian’s
current product offerings include fragrances, candles and other
accessories, as well as exclusive collections available in certain
regions. Elements of the brand’s packaging – including perfume bottles
and candle holders – are meant to be kept as keepsakes, which is
reflective of Kilian’s philosophy that true luxury should not be
disposable.
“By Kilian is a perfect complement to our portfolio of prestige
fragrances,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer
of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “Kilian has built a beautiful and
sumptuous brand that elevates the art of perfume creation with elegance
and uncompromising luxury. This acquisition gives our Company a
strategic opportunity to continue to build upon our leadership in
ultra-luxury fragrances. We are very excited to work closely with Kilian
and the entire By Kilian team to continue building on the brand’s
terrific success.”
“I could not imagine a better home for my brand,” said By Kilian founder
and CEO Kilian Hennessy. “The Estée Lauder Companies not only
understands the philosophy behind By Kilian – which is to bring
perfumery back to the level of luxury that it enjoyed in the early 20th
century – but also has the resources and support to help By Kilian
continue to strategically grow by category, region and distribution. The
Company has an incredible track record of nurturing entrepreneurial
brands, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with them.”
“Kilian’s heritage of sophistication and luxury is a terrific match for
The Estée Lauder Companies,” said William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman,
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “One of our leading strengths is the
ability to identify brands with unique positioning and nurture them to
realize their full growth potential. We are so pleased to partner with
Kilian to continue this legacy, and we welcome him and his team to our
family.”
John Demsey, Executive Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.,
will add By Kilian to his portfolio, while continuing to oversee
Clinique, M·A·C Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, Prescriptives, Bobbi Brown,
Jo Malone London, Smashbox, Aramis & Designer Fragrances, the Men’s
Skincare Group, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric
Malle, GLAMGLOW.
In this transaction, BNP Paribas served as financial advisor to The
Estée Lauder Companies Inc., while Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Wragge
Lawrence Graham & Co. LLP and Arendt & Medernach served as legal
counsel. By Kilian received financial advice from Michel Dyens & Co. and
legal counsel from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP and CMS
Bureau Francis Lefebvre.
The forward-looking statements in this press release, including those in
the quoted remarks and those relating to the expectations for the
acquired brand and the benefits of the acquisition, involve risks and
uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those forward-looking statements include current
economic and other conditions in the global marketplace, actions by
retailers, suppliers and consumers, competition, the Company's ability
to successfully integrate the acquired business and/or implement its
long-term strategic plan, and those described in the Company's annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015.
About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading
manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and
hair care products. The Company’s products are sold in over 150
countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder,
Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger,
M·A·C, Kiton, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Aveda, Jo
Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Michael Kors, Darphin, Tom Ford,
Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, AERIN, Marni, Tory Burch, RODIN olio lusso,
Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW and By Kilian.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160225005438/en/
Source: The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Investor Relations:
Dennis
D’Andrea, 212-572-4384
or
Media Relations:
Alexandra
Trower, 212-572-4430