L’Oreal in talks to buy Decléor and Carita

L’Oreal is set to acquire two of the world’s major spa companies, if negotiations with Japanese group Shiseido come to fruition.

Shiseido has granted global hair and beauty manufacturer L’Oreal exclusive negotiation rights to buy spa brands Decléor and Carita for around €230m (£194.5m).

L’Oreal has said it’s “a wonderful opportunity” for it to become a “major player” in the professional beauty market.

The aromatherapy brand Decléor, established in 1974, and luxury skincare and hair brand Carita, created in 1945 by sisters Maria and Rosy Carita, achieved a combined annual turnover of €100m (£84.5m) in 2012.

L’Oreal’s professional products division president An Vehulst-Santos, said: “Decléor and Carita are two beautiful, prominent beauty institute brands, particularly well-established in Western Europe. Their growth perspectives, especially internationally, are very promising.”

A representative for Decléor declined to comment at this stage, but an agreement could be signed in the coming weeks following a consultation with Shiseido and L’Oreal. 

L'Oreal discontinued its professional-only skincare line Kéraskin Esthetics early this year, following slower than expected international growth.