Unilever announced today (2 March) that it has signed an agreement to acquire British skincare brand REN. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in May, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Created in 2000 by Antony Buck and Robert Calcraft, REN pioneered a new type of high-performance skin care that strove to combine efficacy, nature and a pleasurable experience – articulated by the brand as “˜performance; purity; pleasure’.
The brand, considered to have “global relevance and a committed consumer base” by Unilever, is today sold in 50 countries, predominantly in specialty stores and pharmacies. It has already made its first foray into travel retail, at selected airports and downtown doors.
Unilever Prestige Brands SVP Vasiliki Petrou commented: “We are delighted to be adding REN to the Unilever portfolio of personal care brands. It is a brand with an incredibly loyal following, with a unique proposition that no doubt gives it potential for even further growth, especially given that the naturals category is one of the fastest growing in skincare globally. Its premium positioning complements well our existing portfolio.”
REN CEO Antony Buck added: “It’s been an amazing experience creating and building REN over the last 15 years but it’s time for the brand to go to the next level. Unilever is a great company with great principles; it has a profound understanding of brands and global reach; it makes the perfect partner to help REN fulfil its future potential worldwide.”
