Ren acquired by Unilever

Ren has become the latest professional brand to come under the control of a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) giant, after being acquired by Unilever, the corporation that owns consumer brands such as Dove and Vaseline.

The acquisition is expected to close in May, and the terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Ren chief executive Antony Buck commented, “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 potential worldwide.”

The British skincare brand was developed in 2000 by Buck and Robert Calcraft. As well as a retail presence it has 33 salon and spa accounts in the UK, including Ockenden Manor in West Sussex, and the Chester Grosvenor.

Unilever’s senior vice president for prestige brands, Vasiliki Petrou, said, “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.”