Online retailer The Hut Group acquires Espa

Online health and beauty retailer The Hut Group has purchased British skincare brand Espa from KSL Capital Partners.

The Hut Group (THG), one of the world’s largest online health and beauty retailers and brand owners, said the acquisition of Espa “represents another strategic move for THG as it continues to expand its beauty offering and international reach”.

Established by Sue Harmsworth in 1993, leading spa brand Espa’s products and treatments are today available in more than 700 spas across 50 countries. In 2016, over five million treatments were carried out by Espa-trained therapists around the world.

The brand is also sold in a string of high-end retail outlets, including Liberty London, Harvey Nichols and John Lewis. THG is the largest retailer in Europe for high-end beauty brands, selling lines such as MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars and Lancôme through online portal Lookfantastic.com.

Beauty brands owned by THG include Grow Gorgeous, Mio Skincare, Mama Mio and Glossybox. Matthew Moulding, founder and chief executive of THG, said: “Espa is an exciting addition to The Hut Group’s growing portfolio of beauty brands.

“We intend to invest substantially in the Espa brand, especially in manufacturing capabilities, to develop the brand into a true global leader in its area.”

Espa founder Sue Harmsworth said: “I am delighted with this acquisition which paves the way for an exciting next chapter in our journey.

“I’m confident that The Hut Group has the passion and expertise to extend ESPA’s holistic philosophy which has been at the heart of our products, spas and treatments for twenty-five years.”