Marking the company's third acquisition in a month, The Estée Lauder Companies has bought fragrance brand Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle.
The storied fragrance brand, established by perfumer Frédéric Malle, sells exclusive, ultra-luxury fragrances. Founded in Paris in 2000, the collection currently includes 21 fragrances created by 12 master perfumers and curated by Malle himself. The scents retail through five stand-alone stores in Paris and New York, as well as through Barney's in the US and Liberty in London.
Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies, said: “Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle represents the epitome of elegance. Malle’s uncompromising dedication to pure perfumery has established him as the most sought after collaborator by the world’s most talented perfumers. He has created a true luxury brand that augments our portfolio of prestige beauty products, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our Company.”
Editions de Parfums founder Frédéric Malle added: “The Estée Lauder Companies has great respect for the art of perfumery and for the creativity, dedication and mastery required to create truly exceptional fragrance experiences. The company’s commitment to a high standard of excellence and ability to support the growth of entrepreneurial concepts in a way that preserves all that is unique and special makes The Estée Lauder Companies the ideal partner for us.”
William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies, said: “As an entrepreneur and descendant of a line of legendary perfumers, Frédéric shares our deep commitment to creating products with lasting appeal, and to the continued growth and success of the company which bears his name. We are so pleased to welcome Frédéric to our family.”
The acquisition is slated to close in January 2015; terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The brand will be overseen by John Demsey, Estée Lauder Companies’ Group President, responsible for the Estée Lauder, M·A·C, Tom Ford, Prescriptives, Bobbi Brown, Bumble and bumble, Jo Malone, La Mer, Smashbox, Aramis & Designer Fragrance brands, Le Labo and RODIN olio lusso.
For the acquisition, Lauder received financial advice from BNP Paribas and legal counsel from Lowenstein Sandler LLP and Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. LLP, while Frédéric Malle received legal counsel from the New York and Paris offices of Dentons, and from Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP.
