Core Viewpoint - Coty is exploring the possibility of splitting and selling its high-end and mass beauty divisions, which could lead to a merger and acquisition scale of hundreds of billions to trillions of yuan, potentially reshaping the global beauty industry [1][4]. Company Overview - Founded in 1904 in Paris, Coty has developed a strong brand portfolio, including luxury brands like GUCCI and Burberry, and has grown to be one of the top ten beauty companies globally [2][4]. - Coty operates over 50 fragrance and beauty brands, divided into high-end and mass segments, with high-end beauty generating 277 billion yuan and mass beauty generating 162 billion yuan in revenue for the fiscal year 2024 [1][4]. Financial Performance - Coty's revenue for fiscal year 2024 was 439 billion yuan, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year, but the company has faced significant fluctuations in performance [9]. - The company reported a net revenue decline of 2% to 333.3 billion yuan for the first three quarters of fiscal year 2025, with a net loss of 22.2 billion yuan [9][10]. Market Dynamics - The global beauty industry is undergoing significant challenges, including market growth slowdown and increased competition from emerging DTC brands, particularly affecting mass beauty brands [4][12]. - Coty is facing difficulties in finding suitable buyers for its mass beauty division, especially in Asia, due to economic slowdowns and trade tensions with the U.S. [5][4]. Strategic Moves - Coty is in discussions with Interparfums regarding the sale of its high-end beauty business, particularly brands like Burberry and Hugo Boss, which have shown strong growth [4][10]. - The company has initiated a transformation plan aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on key business innovations, with an expected savings of nearly 36 billion yuan between fiscal years 2025 and 2027 [12]. Industry Trends - The beauty industry is witnessing a shift towards high-end and luxury products, with major players like Shiseido and Unilever restructuring to enhance operational efficiency [12][14]. - Coty’s historical capital-driven development and frequent ownership changes have influenced its current strategy to seek a sale [11][12].