THE WHAT? L’Oréal India is in advanced talks to acquire a majority stake in Indian beauty startup Innovist.
THE DETAILS The potential deal is valued at around ₹4,000 crore (approximately US$350–US$450 million) and would give L’Oréal India control of Innovist, the parent company of digital-first brands including Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, Sunscoop and Vinci Botanicals. Negotiations have been ongoing for about a year and may be structured in phases, with an initial controlling stake followed by potential full ownership. Innovist has demonstrated strong growth, driven by its science-led positioning and e-commerce momentum, and has recently turned profitable.
THE WHY? The move is aimed at strengthening L’Oréal India’s position in the country’s fast-growing beauty market, particularly as competition from digital-native brands intensifies and local growth dynamics evolve.
Source: Economic Times
