Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has acquired Indian beauty brand Forest Essentials.
The beauty conglomerate first invested in the luxury Ayurvedic brand in 2008, later increasing its stake to 49% in 2020, and has now bought up its remaining shares to take full ownership of the business.
ELC’s move “reflects the company’s strong confidence in Forest Essentials’ highly trusted brand equity, its vertically integrated capabilities and sustainability ethos,” said ELC in a company statement.
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The deal, which is expected to close in the second half of 2026, will see founder and Managing Director of Forest Essentials, Mira Kulkarni, continue to lead the business, along with her son Samrath Bedi as Executive Director.
Kulkarni founded Forest Essentials in 2000 with a luxury approach to Ayurveda, a traditional Indian health practice.
The prestige brand has nearly 200 standalone stores in India, the Middle East and the UK, and is forecast to grow net sales in the low double-digits.
The move gives ELC a greater foothold in the prestige beauty market in India, where the brand will continue to be based.
Forest Essentials will leverage ELC’s global presence to expand the brand to new audiences.
“Today marks a meaningful new chapter in a partnership built over the past 18 years on a foundation of mutual trust and respect,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of ELC.
“Forest Essentials is an exceptional brand, beloved in India, and created and nurtured by its founder, Mira Kulkarni.
“Entrepreneurial spirit lives at the heart of the Estée Lauder Companies, and we have a deep, inherent appreciation for the vision and tenacity required to build a brand of this caliber.
“We are honoured to strengthen our partnership with Mira, who, like Mrs. Estée Lauder, has elevated the prestige beauty industry through a clear vision of authenticity and purpose.
“This next phase of partnership reflects our long-term commitment to India – one of our largest and most significant emerging markets – and our conviction in the global resonance of this remarkable brand.
“Together, our ambition is clear: to further strengthen the brand’s leadership at home while thoughtfully introducing it to a global audience.
“We are committed to expanding this reach without compromising the integrity, craftsmanship and cultural soul that define Forest Essentials, and look forward to supporting Mira and her son Sam in the brand’s exciting future.”
Commenting on the deal, Kulkarni said: “Our shared mission has always been to establish luxury Ayurveda as a globally respected pillar of modern beauty.
“Ayurveda is not folklore; it is a sophisticated system of science, ritual and holistic wellbeing.
“By combining our heritage with the operational strength of the Estée Lauder Companies, we have the opportunity to bring this wisdom to a global audience – presented with the same integrity, elegance and uncompromising standards that define Forest Essentials today.
“This next phase is about continuity and growth.
“We continue to lead the brand from India, strengthening our operational excellence and commitment to our Indian consumers, while thoughtfully expanding internationally.”
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