Core Viewpoint - Ju宜 Group has officially signed an acquisition agreement with the dermatological skincare brand 百植萃, aiming to strengthen its position in the scientific skincare sector [1][9]. Company Overview - 百植萃 was established in 2012, focusing on providing safe and effective skincare solutions for problematic and sensitive skin, with a product line that includes soothing, barrier repair, anti-aging, and whitening [3]. - The brand's best-selling product is the 小绿瓶精华, priced at 198 yuan for 30ml, 288 yuan for 50ml, and 458 yuan for 80ml, with previous prices being significantly higher [3]. Leadership and Expertise - The brand's product development has been led by renowned dermatologist 李远宏, who has contributed to the formulation of all products and has internationally recognized research achievements [7]. - 李远宏 will continue as Chief Product Officer post-acquisition, overseeing the entire product development process from consumer insights to clinical validation [9]. Market Position and Strategy - Ju宜 Group sees long-term growth potential in the "medical-research integration" skincare sector, which addresses real pain points for different skin types and represents a significant direction for skincare consumption upgrades [9]. - The acquisition is viewed as a strategic move to fill gaps in the skincare market and enhance Ju宜 Group's portfolio, following its previous acquisition of the high-end hair care brand馥绿德雅 [9]. Financial Performance - Ju宜 Group reported a revenue of 3.5 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 36% year-on-year growth, and has maintained double-digit growth for several consecutive years [11]. - The acquisition of 百植萃 is interpreted as a step towards seeking a larger premium space in the market, especially as the functional skincare market becomes increasingly competitive among major beauty brands [11]. Industry Trends - The functional skincare market is becoming a battleground for beauty giants, with companies like L'Oréal and Estée Lauder increasing their investments in this area [11]. - Recent acquisitions in the sector, such as L'Oréal's purchase of Medik8, highlight the trend of integrating scientific research into skincare product development [11].