Unilever has sold its prestige skincare brand Kate Somerville to Rare Beauty Brands, a US cosmetics business founded by singer and actress Selena Gomez, for an undisclosed sum.
The brand, which Unilever acquired in 2015, includes upmarket skincare and body care products, as well as a clinic on Melrose Place in Los Angeles.
The sale follows Unilever closing down Ren Clean Skincare, another brand in its prestige personal care collection, back in May this year after failing to find a buyer.
“Over the past 18 months, the team has worked diligently to accelerate Kate Somerville’s turnaround,” said Mary Carmen Gasco-Buisson, CEO of Unilever Prestige.
“As the brand enters a new chapter, we believe that its continued growth and success will be best supported by new ownership better aligned to its evolving needs. We are confident that under Chris Hobson’s leadership and the Rare Beauty Brands team, Kate Somerville has a bright future ahead.”
Chris Hobson, president and CEO of Rare Beauty Brands, added: “The acquisition of Kate Somerville is a significant milestone for Rare Beauty Brands.
“We have long admired the brand’s innovative spirit and its commitment to results-driven skincare, which aligns perfectly with our mission to create products that delight, communities that empower, and brands that inspire.
“We believe that Rare Beauty Brands is the ideal home for the Kate Somerville brand, and we are excited to welcome its dedicated team into our family. Together, we see a bright future ahead, with new opportunities to grow and reach even more consumers who share our passion for highly-efficacious, luxurious skincare.”
PwC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Unilever on the sale of Kate Somerville Skincare.
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
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