Famille C to buy makeup brand ILIA

Famille C, the Courtin-Clarins family office, has agreed to acquire ILIA, an American skincare-powered makeup brand. No financial terms were disclosed.

PRESS RELEASE

1st February 2022 – Famille C, the Courtin-Clarins family holding company and owner of the world-renowned Clarins brand, has signed a contract for the acquisition of ILIA, the pioneering American skincare-powered make-up brand, which has made a name for itself over the past 10 years as one of the most innovative clean make-up companies with a focus on quality and a powerful digital presence.

ILIA develops and markets disruptive make-up products that protect and revive the skin. With nourishing and moisturizing formulas, ILIA’s skincare-powered make-up products are a benchmark in clean and responsible beauty. In 2021, ILIA recorded sales of $100 million.

This acquisition will be an important step for Famille C, which aims to promote innovation in the beauty and well-being segment.

The transaction must be examined by the competent competition authorities, which are expected to issue approval during the first half of 2022. Alongside Famille C, Clarins will hold a minority share in ILIA’s capital. ILIA will remain independent, while benefiting from Clarins’ support as well as best practices exchanges between the two companies

Sasha Plavsic, the founder of ILIA, and Lynda Berkowitz, CEO, will maintain a minority share and continue to manage the business with their senior leadership team.

Commenting on the acquisition she spearheaded, Prisca Courtin-Clarins, Deputy CEO of Famille C, explained: “This brand is incredibly relevant and has huge potential. This operation demonstrates Famille C’s determination to identify and support great ideas and devoted teams who are innovating to keep the beauty industry moving forward. From a strategic point of view, the acquisition is in line with our goal of supporting exceptional brands that share our values and vision, and it will strengthen our foothold in the U.S. Today, we are very eager to contribute to this new adventure alongside ILIA founder Sasha Plavsic, and its CEO, Lynda Berkowitz.”

ILIA founder, Sasha Plavsic, affirmed that “When I started ILIA, there was a curiosity to make products more skin and planet friendly. After a decade of deep exploration in these areas, I am thrilled to partner with a global family powerhouse whose mission clearly states, “Passing on a more beautiful planet”. Both ILIA, Famille C and Clarins share similar values that includes creating exceptional products coupled with an awareness around driving sustainability.