The global manufacturer did not disclose details of the deal but says the aim is to complement and grow its portfolio of prestige fragrances.
Estée Lauder, like many of the big industry players, has made a habit out of acquiring brands in a bid to strengthen its offering, and the By Kilian buy fits in with its strategy of acquiring innovative luxury brands to attract customers, enabling it to capture a larger market share.
“By Kilian is a perfect complement to our portfolio of prestige fragrances… [it] has built a beautiful and sumptuous brand that elevates the art of perfume creation with elegance and uncompromising luxury,” says Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies.
“This acquisition gives our Company a strategic opportunity to continue to build upon our leadership in ultra-luxury fragrances. We are very excited to work closely with Kilian and the entire By Kilian team to continue building on the brand’s terrific success.”
William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman at Estée Lauder adds that it is one of the company’s strengths to identify brands with unique positioning and nurture them to realize their full growth potential, and this is what drew it to By Kilian.
Perfect fit
The French perfume brand was founded in 2007 by Kilian Hennessy, and has built up a global following over the years and is now sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, primarily in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Its current product offerings include fragrances, candles and other accessories, with one of the selling points also being the brand’s packaging which are meant to be kept as keepsakes, reflecting the company philosophy that true luxury should not be disposable.
According to founder and CEO Hennessy, it aligns perfectly with Estée Lauder and with the New York-headquartered firm’s resources and support; it should help By Kilian continue to strategically grow by category, region and distribution.
“The Company has an incredible track record of nurturing entrepreneurial brands, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with them,” he says.
John Demsey, Estée Lauder Executive Group President, will add By Kilian to his portfolio, while continuing to oversee Clinique, M.A.C, Tom Ford, Prescriptives, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone, Smashbox, Aramis & Designer Fragrances, the Men’s Skincare Group, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Frédéric Malle, and GlamGlow.