Core Insights - Kering Group and L'Oréal Group have announced a long-term strategic partnership in the luxury beauty and health sector, involving L'Oréal's acquisition of the Creed brand and licensing agreements for Kering's renowned brands, with a total deal value of €4 billion (approximately ¥33.2 billion) [1][4][6] Group 1: Strategic Partnership Details - The partnership includes Kering selling its beauty business, including the Creed brand, to L'Oréal, along with a 50-year licensing agreement for Kering's iconic perfume stores [5][6] - Creed, a historic perfume brand founded in 1760, was acquired by Kering for €3.5 billion just four months prior to this new deal [5][6] - L'Oréal will also gain exclusive rights to develop, produce, and distribute Gucci's beauty products, as well as create and distribute fragrances for Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga under a separate 50-year licensing agreement [6][7] Group 2: Financial Context and Implications - Kering is under pressure from both debt and performance issues, with a reported 62% decline in net profit and a net debt of €9.5 billion as of June 2025 [7][8] - The sale of Creed and other businesses is seen as a way for Kering to alleviate financial pressure and refocus on its core strengths [7][8] - L'Oréal's acquisition of Creed is part of its broader ambition to become a major player in the fast-growing high-end perfume market, following several strategic acquisitions in recent years [7][8][11] Group 3: Market Position and Future Outlook - L'Oréal's recent acquisitions, including Aesop for $2.525 billion (approximately ¥17 billion), highlight its aggressive expansion strategy in the luxury beauty sector [8][11] - The partnership is expected to solidify L'Oréal's position as the world's largest luxury beauty company and explore new opportunities in the health sector [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Kering Group announced a significant transaction with L'Oréal Group, involving the sale of its fragrance and beauty division for a total of €4 billion (approximately ¥33.2 billion), which includes the acquisition of the Creed brand and a 50-year exclusive licensing agreement for several luxury brands [1][6]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The agreement allows L'Oréal to acquire the Creed brand and obtain exclusive rights to develop, produce, and distribute beauty products for Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga [1][6]. - The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026 and will be paid in cash [1][6]. - Kering's beauty division, which was established in 2023, has shown high growth potential, making the sale surprising to industry experts [2][9]. Group 2: Financial Implications - The sale is seen as a way to alleviate Kering's financial pressure, especially as the company has faced declining revenues, with a 15% drop in Q2 revenue to €3.7 billion [7][9]. - Kering's beauty division generated €323 million in revenue in 2024, primarily from Creed, indicating its importance to the group's overall performance [3][9]. - The sale may provide Kering with more resources to focus on its core brands, particularly Gucci, which has been experiencing a decline in sales [7][9]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Future Outlook - Industry experts express skepticism about the sale, suggesting it may hinder Kering's diversification strategy and limit future growth opportunities in the luxury market [2][9]. - The acquisition price of €4 billion is considered high for a company and brands that are perceived to be past their peak, raising concerns about the long-term value of the investment for L'Oréal [6][10]. - The sale will also impact Coty Group, which currently holds the licensing rights for Gucci beauty products until 2028, potentially leading to strategic shifts for Coty following the loss of this key brand [11][14].

Core Insights - The sale of Kering Beauty to L'Oréal for 4 billion euros marks a significant strategic shift for Kering and strengthens L'Oréal's position in the beauty and wellness sector [1][3] Group 1: Transaction Details - The agreement includes the acquisition of the House of Creed, which accounts for approximately 93% of Kering Beauty's sales [6] - L'Oréal will gain a 50-year exclusive license for Gucci's fragrance and beauty products, starting after Kering's current license with Coty Inc. expires in 2028 [2] - The partnership also encompasses a 50-year exclusive license for Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga, effective upon transaction closure, expected in the first half of 2026 [3] Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the announcement, L'Oréal's stock rose by 0.6% to 392.90 euros, while Kering's stock increased by 3.6% to 320.55 euros [4] - Analysts expressed surprise at Kering's shift away from its in-house beauty strategy, which had previously aimed to replicate the success of Kering eyewear [4] Group 3: Financial Implications - Citi estimates that the transaction will lead to a high single-digit percentage reduction in Kering's FY26E EBIT and a mid-single-digit percentage decrease in EPS [5] - Kering's financial leverage is projected to improve to about 1.5 times net debt to EBITDA, down from approximately 2.5 times, which is viewed positively given past concerns over elevated financial leverage [5]

Core Insights - Kering Group has announced the sale of its beauty business to L'Oréal for €4 billion, marking a significant strategic shift after a two-year investment in the beauty sector [2][4] - The transaction includes the acquisition of the Creed perfume brand and beauty licenses for Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga, with completion expected in the first half of 2026 [2][4] Strategic Shift - The decision to sell was driven by new CEO Luca de Meo, who has implemented major reforms within a short period, including leadership changes and restructuring [4] - The agreement outlines three key areas: acquisition of Creed, management of beauty licenses for luxury brands, and a joint venture to explore opportunities in health and longevity [5] Financial Context - Kering faces significant financial pressure, with net debt reaching €9.5 billion and long-term lease liabilities of €6 billion as of June 2025 [6] - Gucci's performance has been declining, with operating profit dropping 52% to €486 million and revenue falling 16% to €7.587 billion in the first half of 2025 [6] Market Dynamics - Despite Kering's beauty segment achieving a 9% growth rate in the first half of 2025, this was insufficient to alleviate the overall financial challenges faced by the group [6] - The sale is seen as a strategic move to reduce debt and streamline operations, as luxury beauty businesses typically require significant investment and time to develop [6][8] Industry Implications - The sale signals a potential shift in luxury brand strategies, with Kering's partnership with L'Oréal indicating a trend towards equity collaborations rather than traditional licensing or self-managed beauty divisions [8] - The luxury beauty market has been one of the fastest-growing segments, and the collaboration aims to leverage L'Oréal's expertise while maintaining the luxury brand's identity [7][8]

（文章来源：每日经济新闻） 每经AI快讯，10月20日，开云集团股价上涨约4%，欧莱雅股价上涨1.7%。消息面上，开云集团同意将 旗下美妆部门出售给欧莱雅。 ...

Mergers and Acquisitions - In January 2017, Luxottica merged with Essilor in a deal valued at 46 billion euros ($49 billion), creating the world's largest eyewear group [11] - LVMH acquired Tiffany & Co. in November 2019 for $16.2 billion in an all-cash deal [11][12] - Bernard Arnault consolidated control over Christian Dior in April 2017 through a 12 billion euro transaction, acquiring the Christian Dior Couture brand for 6.5 billion euros [4][12] - JAB Holding increased its stake in Coty Inc. to 60% in February 2019, totaling about $9.4 billion [5][12] - L'Oreal repurchased 8% of its shares from Nestle for 6.5 billion euros in February 2014, making Nestle L'Oreal's second-largest shareholder with a 20.16% stake as of October 2025 [6][12] - LVMH acquired Bulgari for 3.7 billion euros in March 2011 [7][12] - Estee Lauder agreed to buy Tom Ford for $2.8 billion in November 2022 [8][12] - L'Oreal acquired Aesop for around $2.5 billion in April 2023, aiming for international expansion [9][12] - Coach purchased Kate Spade for $2.4 billion in May 2017 to leverage its popularity among millennials [10][12] - Prada announced a deal to buy Versace for an enterprise value of $1.375 billion in April 2025 [11]

Core Insights - The deal represents an initial strategy by Kering's new CEO, Luca de Meo, aimed at revitalizing the company's performance in the luxury market [1] Company Summary - Kering is taking proactive steps under new leadership to enhance its position and financial health within the luxury sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - L'Oréal Group is set to establish a long-term strategic partnership with Kering Group in the high-end beauty and health sector, involving the acquisition of the Creed brand and licensing agreements for several luxury brands' beauty and fragrance products [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The agreement includes the acquisition of the Creed brand and licensing for Kering's iconic brands such as Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga for a duration of 50 years [1] - Gucci will join the partnership after the conclusion of its licensing agreement with Coty Group [1] - The total value of the agreement is estimated at 40 billion euros, with the transaction expected to be completed in the first half of 2026 and paid in cash [1]

Core Viewpoint - Kering Group announced an agreement with L'Oréal Group for the sale of its beauty division for €4 billion, marking a significant strategic shift for Kering [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - L'Oréal will acquire Kering's beauty business, which includes the Creed brand and a 50-year license for several luxury brands such as Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga [1] - Gucci will join the agreement after the expiration of its licensing period with Coty Group [1] - The transaction will be a cash payment and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026 [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - Kering's beauty division reported annual revenue of €323 million for 2024, primarily driven by the Creed brand [1]

Core Viewpoint - Kering Group has agreed to sell its beauty business to L'Oréal for €4 billion (approximately $4.66 billion) as part of a strategic move by new CEO Luca de Meo to address high debt levels and refocus on core fashion operations [1][2] Group 1: Transaction Details - The agreement allows L'Oréal to acquire Kering's perfume brand Creed and grants a 50-year exclusive license to develop beauty products based on Kering's fashion brands, including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent [1] - The sale is a significant step for Kering to reduce its net debt, which stood at €9.5 billion as of June 30, alongside €6 billion in long-term lease liabilities [1] Group 2: Business Performance - Kering's beauty business, established in 2023, recorded an operating loss of €60 million in the first half of the year, highlighting the challenges faced in diversifying away from Gucci [2] - Gucci's revenue fell by 25% year-on-year in the last fiscal quarter, increasing Kering's pressure to deleverage and avoid further credit rating downgrades [2] Group 3: Strategic Implications - The transaction marks a shift in strategy under CEO de Meo, who took over in September and has committed to rationalizing the business and restructuring if necessary to lower debt levels [2] - L'Oréal's acquisition is its largest to date, surpassing the $2.5 billion purchase of Australian brand Aesop in 2023, indicating L'Oréal's aggressive expansion strategy [2]