GERMANY. Travel retailer Gebr. Heinemann has acquired 50% of the Nobilis Group, a leading distributor in the luxury/niche, prestige and lifestyle fragrances segment which operates across the German-speaking region.
The company has been a growing force in the beauty market for over 25 years.
A statement from Nobilis said: “Today we are delighted to announce a change of shareholders. In the course of the transaction, Dr. Joachim Henseler will sell his 37.5% share in Nobilis Holding GmbH and Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG will join the company as a new co-shareholder.”
Gebr. Heinemann Co-CEO Max Heinemann told The Moodie Davitt Report: “In Nobilis Group, we have found a partner whose corporate culture is very similar to ours, both in terms of its understanding of values and the fact that the focus lies on the people.
“With this strategic investment, we are strengthening the diversification of our activities to an area outside of our core business. There will be no operational changes for employees, customers and brand partners nor an operational integration in the Heinemann ecosystem. Udo Heuser will continue to lead the Nobilis Group as CEO.”
Upon completion of the overall transaction, an equal shareholding will be held by Nobilis Managing Partner and CEO Udo Heuser and Gebr. Heinemann.
“The partnership with Gebr. Heinemann is the dream constellation we have been looking for over a long time” – Nobilis Managing Partner and CEO Udo Heuser
Nobilis said: “Udo Heuser will continue to lead the company as CEO and, together with the entire Nobilis team, ensure the further development and growth of the group in the long term.”
The company also announced that Henseler will continue to perform his duties as CFO and Managing Director until the handover to a successor, who will be announced in the coming weeks.
Heuser said: “The partnership with Gebr. Heinemann is the dream constellation we have been looking for over a long time. I have known and appreciated the company Gebr. Heinemann and the owners personally for many years.
“As a family business with a tradition of over 140 years, they have developed into one of the world’s most important players in the international travel retail market and have been pursuing a sustainable growth strategy for decades.”
He added: “The company has enjoyed strong trust for over five generations, stands for stability and is therefore a perfect new co-shareholder and partner for the Nobilis Group.” 
