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Unilever Sets Annual M&A Budget of €1.5 Billion With Priority on U.S. Deals
THE WHAT? Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez has stated that the company is allocating approximately €1.5 billion (US$1.74 billion) annually for mergers and acquisitions, with a strong focus on opportunities in the United States. THE DETAILS Fernandez disclosed the figure at a JPMorgan-hosted event, noting that U.S. assets represent a primary target area for future…
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Gerrard International Acquires Jessica Cosmetics
THE WHAT? Gerrard International has acquired professional nail brand Jessica Cosmetics after more than three decades serving as its UK distributor. THE DETAILS Gerrard International, based in Hertfordshire, has managed Jessica Cosmetics’ UK business for 35 years, during which the market became the brand’s most commercially successful territory. The acquisition follows the passing of…
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EU Raids Temu Over Suspected Breach of Foreign Subsidies Rules
THE WHAT? The European Commission has carried out unannounced inspections at Temu as part of an investigation into potential violations of the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation. THE DETAILS The raid took place at one of Temu’s Irish premises, targeting possible foreign state support that could distort competition in the EU market. Temu, owned by…
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Amazon to Invest Over US$35 Billion in India to Accelerate AI, Exports and Infrastructure Expansion
THE WHAT? Amazon has outlined plans to invest more than US$35 billion in India by 2030, focusing on AI development, export growth and expanded operational infrastructure as competition intensifies in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. THE DETAILS The investment builds on Amazon’s existing US$40 billion commitment to India since 2010 and follows…
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Orveda Opens First Bangkok Flagship to Accelerate Global Maison Expansion
THE WHAT? Orveda has launched La Maison Orveda Bangkok, its first flagship in Thailand and the newest addition to its expanding global Maison network. THE DETAILS Located in Bangkok’s Ploenchit district, the flagship marks Orveda’s entry into Southeast Asia, a key prestige skincare market where demand for biotech-led, results-driven skincare is rising. The restored…
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L’Oréal Increases Galderma Stake to 20% in Move to Deepen Presence in Aesthetics
THE WHAT? L’Oréal has acquired an additional 10% stake in Galderma Group AG, bringing its total ownership to 20% as it strengthens its position in the fast-growing medical aesthetics category. THE DETAILS The shares were purchased from a consortium led by EQT—which includes Sunshine SwissCo, ADIA and Auba Investment—for an undisclosed amount. As part…
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Melt&Marble Raises €7.3M to Scale Precision-Fermented Fats for Beauty
THE WHAT? Melt&Marble has secured €7.3 million in Series A funding to scale production of its precision-fermented fats and prepare for commercial launch in personal care. THE DETAILS The round was led by Industrifonden with participation from the EIC Fund, Beiersdorf, Valio, Catalyze Capital and Chalmers Ventures. Including recent EU grants, the company has…
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Innerskin Secures €12.8M to Scale Its European Aesthetics Centre Network
THE WHAT? Innerskin has raised €12.8 million to expand its network of medical aesthetics centres and integrated skin-health services across France and Europe. THE DETAILS IRIS Ventures led the round, joined by existing investor Label Capital. Founded in 2022, Innerskin has grown to 19 centres in France, offering preventive face and body treatments supported…
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P&G Flags Sharp U.S. Category Declines as Consumer Weakness Weighs on Q2 Outlook
THE WHAT? Procter & Gamble has cautioned that U.S. sales across key categories it competes in fell significantly in October and are expected to show similar declines for November, signalling pressure on consumer spending ahead of the holiday period. THE DETAILS Speaking at a Morgan Stanley conference, P&G CFO Andre Schulten reported that category…